Footpaths and bridges devastated by floods, walkers urged to choose routes carefully.
Lake District paths and
bridleways have been badly hit by the recent floods, says
the Lake District National Park Authority, and walkers are being
advised to
'choose
routes carefully' and take note of path closures while a
recovery group assesses the situation. Some 21 paths and 144 bridges
are known to be damaged so far.
144 Lakeland bridges
damaged - Matt C from OM Gallery
The floods, as if you need reminding, were the worst on record and
devastated paths, bridges and information centres. The LDNPA has been
hard at work assessing the damage and LDNP’s head of countryside
services, Mark Eccles, said 892 paths had been assessed so far, along
with 812 of the national park’s 1,319 rights of way bridges.
Paths And Bridges Damaged
He explained: “We are pulling out all stops to combat the worst effects
of the devastating floods. A recovery group has been set up and is
working hard to get services up and running again as soon as possible.
“We still haven’t got a complete picture, but our field-based teams are
checking the safety of paths and putting up information notices where
appropriate. Investigations show 144 bridges are damaged and at least
22 have to be replaced.
“There are also 21 paths where the surface has been washed away and we
are advising walkers to choose routes carefully. We are working closely
with Cumbria County Council and hope to get our countryside access
information on its website later this week.
“It’s all about common sense. We are asking that walkers, horse riders
and cyclists take note of cordoned-off areas, along with ‘do not use’
and ‘take care’ notices. Riverside and lakeshore routes have been
particularly hard hit and debris is still an issue.”
Don't Stay Away
The message coming from the Park Authority isn't to stay
away from the Lakes - local businesses need your support - but simply
to take note of notices and cordoned-off areas and to avoid paths and
bridges where there is obvious damage.
Some Information Centres in the area have been hit. Keswick Information
Centre is open and the Ullswater centre is running its normal winter
weekend service. Visitors to gardens at the Lake District Visitor
Centre at Brockhole, Windermere, are welcome. LDNP’s car parks are all
back in business and although toilet blocks need to be thoroughly
cleaned, they were largely unscathed.
More information at
www.lakedistrict.gov.uk.
