Historic path is back on track
10 December 2007
An ancient Coniston mining track has had a £6,500 face-lift after falling victim to thousands of pairs of feet pounding the popular path.
Beautifully constructed, the historic 3.5 km Hole Rake route connected Coppermines valley with Tilberthwaite, and since miners left the area walkers have taken the high route with stunning views to the heart.
Years of wear and tear, coupled with heavy rain, meant drainage channels no longer worked, resulting in significant erosion damage.
Partnership project Fix the Fells, along with the Ramblers Association, has come to the rescue of 400 m of the worn trail, and thanks to highly skilled specialist restoration, it is once again ready to cope with demand.
Meeting the high cost of repairs has been helped by the late Maurice Sharpe from Lancaster, who loved the hills and left a ‘substantial bequest’ to the Ramblers Association to be spent maintaining fell walkers’ freedom in the Lake District.
His legacy has already been used for a £3,000 contribution towards repairs on Hartsop area path Hayeswater to The Knott; over £2,000 for Hole Rake and another major restoration will be supported in 2008.
RA’s area footpath secretary Tony Rogers said: "We are pleased to use some of the Sharpe Fund money as a contribution to Fix the Fells projects."
Fix the Fells project adviser Richard Fox added he was delighted that an important, historic route had been repaired.
He said: "Work has centred on stabilising eroded earth and re-instating critical drainage. Walkers will now be able to enjoy this beautiful area with the added advantage of a vastly improved route.
We are very grateful to RA, which has given money to mend a path annually for the last five years. This commitment from such a high profile ‘user’ organisation is fantastic!"
Fix the Fells is backed by the Lake District National Park Authority, National Trust and Natural England, and supported financially by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Tourism and Conservation Partnership, Friends of the Lake District, RA and members of the public.
