New multi-user trail joins A591 reconnection

Published on: 19 Feb 2016

The Lake District National Park has today announced a new multi-user trail over Dunmail Raise as part of the A591 reconnection project.

The A591 is a vital link between the north and south of the park for local people, businesses and visitors. That’s why, in addition to the main road repair and the temporary road, the National Park has been exploring options for walkers, cyclists and horse riders who use the route. The work on the route is self-contained and will not impact on the important work to re-open the A591.

The trail is an existing right of way on the west side of the A591 from Dunmail Raise to southern end of Thirlmere. The surrounding land has a steep gradient in places and is subject to heavy rainfall, so the new surface will improve the trail, whilst being laid in a way that is sympathetic to the landscape.

Director of Sustainable Development for the Lake District National Park, Steve Ratcliffe, said: “We are delighted to be starting work on this route. In the short term this will ease the challenges of mixing vehicles, cycles and pedestrians over the temporary A591 road, and will offer a more attractive, separate route over Dunmail. 
Importantly this multi-user trail will also have longer term benefits, including securing an important cycle route linking the southern and northern Lakes, and supporting the local economy in those communities.”

Weather permitting the project will take six weeks and will begin in March.

Watch the video to hear LDNP Area Ranger, Graham Standring, explain more about this project.

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