The National Park has worked closely with the local community in Eskdale to carry out a package of improvements to public rights of way in the area. A host of funders have contributed towards the project, which has provided a sealed surface on the public byeway of St Catherine’s Lonning, the creation of new bridleways and footpaths and upgrades to other existing routes. A large girder bridge has been refurbished and re-decked, and the ancient site of St Catherine’s Well has been tidied up. A series of interpretation panels, leaflets and directional signage have been produced to give information to visitors. Work was carried out by contractors, Park staff, National Trust staff and volunteers, with different aspects of the project being led by different partners.
Eskdale receives a large number of day visitors from the Ravenglass and Eskdale “Laal Ratty” Railway and the project will provide a number of short and easily accessible circular routes linking Dalegarth station with the river Esk, St Catherine’s Church, the village of Boot and Boot Mill, and the National Park property of Stanley Gill.
