Flood recovery: Paths for the Public
Background
The floods of November 2009 caused severe damage to the Rights of Way Network within Cumbria and the Lake District National Park. Over 250 bridges were damaged or destroyed, and 85 paths in need of repair.
Aims of the project
Paths for the Public work is being rolled out in a four year programme. With over £1 million committed from RDPE, a total of £1.7 million has been secured from a range of external sources to establish the programme. The aims are:
- restore the network for the benefit of local people and communities
- restore and enhance the network for the benefit of visitors and the tourist economy
- develop skills and capacity within small rural businesses across the county to assist with the scale of response needed
- develop specific skills to combat future flood management
- adapt the network to improve flood resilience
The work will maximise benefits for visiting and local path users. There will be an increased quality of the experience and greater accessibility for a wider and more diverse audience. This in turn will help to sustain and improve the economic contribution countryside access makes to the tourist economy of Cumbria and the Lake District National Park. The works are planned to be complete by March 2013.
Work so far
As at the end of December 2011 the programme has dealt with improvements and repairs to over 207 bridges, 70 path surfaces and 43 furniture items, along 221 rights of ways.
Highlights to date
New Bridge, Rosthwaite
Significant investment and improvements of around £85,000 have contributed to an improved right of way network around this popular Borrowdale village.
New Bridge - before and after photos
Liza Beck, Lanthwaite Green
Erected a new 14 metre footbridge across Liza Beck, at the foot of Grasmoor and Lanthwaite Green. Original Liza Beck was crossed by 2 bridges 200 metres apart, the new bridge in a new sustainable location also resolves a number of outstanding ROW matters, in particular concerning definitive line and usable line issues.
Scarth Gap
The 30 metre landslide which created a large gap on the bridleway between Gatesgarth and Scarth Gap has finally been repaired and the path restored allowing users to enjoy the fine views over Buttermere.
Scarth Gap - before and after photos
Pooley Bridge
A new bridge has been installed next to Waterside Campsite in Pooley Bridge. This is the main route for visitors to the campsite to the attractions of Pooley Bridge.
Pooley Bridge - before and after photos
Little Braithwaite
At Little Braithwaite the old timber bridge was washed away and the new bridge with raised abutments, steel beams and wider timber decking has been constructed to create a route accessible to many.
Little Braithwaite Bridge - before and after
Around Scale Force, Crummock Water
7 bridges were installed, including 3 new structures, as well as 500 metres of subsoiling. These all made the rights of way network in this area easier to use.
Black Beck - before and after photos
Easedale Beck, Grasmere
150 metre pitched path which improves the path for benefit of local people and communities. It also provides a better quality of path to support the tourist economy and deliver a more resilient path surface against future flooding events.
Easedale - before and after photos
Future work for 2012/13
As funding stops at the end of March 2013, 2012/13 is the final year to deliver the project objectives.
Restore Elterwater Miles Without Stiles route
Photo of damage at Elterwater
Restore Little Braithwaite Miles without Stiles route
Photo: damage at Little Braithwaite
Boardwalk replacements at:
- Lakeside Wood, Bassenthwaite
- Pooley Bridge, Ullswater
- Ennerdale Mill
New Miles without Stiles route around Wray
Surface improvements to the bridleway Wray Church to High Wray Bay to create a Miles Without Stiles route.