Giant Crane Required For Popular Lakeland Walk

If you find yourself  at the Borrowdale end of Derwentwater over the weekend you can't fail to notice a new, temporary, addition to the skyline. As part of the biggest bridge project of its kind in the National Park a giant crane has been brought in to move the steel, metal and wood needed to replace the iconic Chinese Bridge with a new, contemporary, version.

The crane, weighing 80 tons, is needed to take out the six heavy concrete beams and decking from the 70 year old bridge before the new, £68,000, replacement can be installed. The new bridge is to follow the original design but is designed to accomodate pram and wheelchair users - unlike the old version. head of Bassenthwaite Reflections, Martin Varley, stated "This is a very popular and heavily used route but, as it nears the Borrowdale valley, the narrow bridge across the Derwent was a frustrating obstacle for those with mobility problems. We are all looking forward to seeing this amazing project completed." The old bridge, built in 1938, had an oriental design that proved very popular, and Lake District National Park wanted to retain the style of the old bridge whilst updating it to meet modern standards.

Whilst disruption will be kept to a minimum ther will be some impact over the next couple of weeks and you should look for alternatives if walking at the southern end of Derwentwater. The new bridge will also complete the Round Derwentwater Walk project for Basenthwaite Reflections, a Heritage Lottery funded programme. Reflections partners are made up of Environment Agency, Lake District National Park Authority, National Trust, Forestry Commission, Grampus Heritage and Training and Cumbria County Council. You can get updates on the bridge or route closures from Angus Titterington, LDNP countryside services team leader, on 01768 871401