Estate managers have ruled out fencing off the notorious Strid area at Bolton Abbey, following the feared loss of honeymoon couple Lynn and Barry Collett.

Although there have been tragic accidents, thousands of people walk there every year without incident, said estate manager Ben Heyes. He said the area was dangerous because of the way the River Wharfe plunges through a narrow gorge, but there are plenty of signs warning people.

Speaking about the disappearance of the honeymooners, he added: "This appears to be a tragic accident. How it happened we don't know, but will we ever? It will probably remain a mystery. It is very sad. The Strid is a beautiful feature of the river. Thousands of people walk quite safely throughout the year".

Keith Wadd, Ramblers' Association West Riding secretary, said the association was very saddened to hear of the suspected deaths.

"But we would not like to see fences and barriers throughout the countryside. It is impossible to protect everyone from every danger and would spoil the very reasons for enjoying the countryside," he said.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said intensive rain on Monday had resulted in significant increases in the level of the river. "The Wharfe is a river which rises and falls very quickly, causing flash floods. It can be up and down in a few hours and has deep and dangerous sections as well as shallow parts where people can paddle," he said.

The three-mile stretch of river where police fear the newlyweds may have drowned is notoriously treacherous.

In June 1996, teenager Jhangir Shaffi died after getting out of his depth while cooling off in the water at Bolton Abbey. The 19-year-old from Scholemoor Lane, Bradford, had gone for a paddle at the beauty spot with three friends.

Last July the River Wharfe also claimed the lives of eight-year-olds Charles Fox and Jasmine Neville from Leeds.

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