2026 Work Programme
Fix the Fells repairs and protects damage caused by erosion to the fragile upland landscapes in the Lake District National Park. In practise, this work is centred on upland paths as this is where traffic from path users combines with steeper gradients and water run-off to create conditions which can lead to rapid erosion and damage to upland habitats. Fell path repair work is prioritised and agreed by the Fix the Fells Partnership Board, which comprises representatives from each of the five partner organisations; the National Trust, the Lake District National Park Authority, Friends of the Lake District, the Lake District Foundation and Natural England. The prioritisation of which paths we work on is based on the current condition of the paths and the future impact they are likely to have on the upland landscape, ecology and archaeology if not addressed. Our Ranger teams draw up detailed specifications each year using nationally agreed best practice principles. For more details please visit our Path Repair Techniques page.
Outline information on the paths under consideration for repair during 2026 is given below:
Paths Identified for Work in 2026
All repairs are subject to securing permission from the land owner, the appropriate consents, practicalities and funding. The list is subject to change depending on these and other factors, such as extreme weather events.
N950 Swirls
Significant path repair work was first undertaken on this path in the 1980s . A stone pitched path runs all the way from the United Utilities carpark up to an altitude of 800m (around Browncove Crags). The original path was constructed by contractors using locally gathered stone, flown in by helicopter. The path remains in reasonably good shape lower down however, in the upper sections it is no longer fit for purpose. The width of the path is too narrow in places for the volume of people using the route and some sections are very difficult to walk on due to the sloping nature of the stone. This combination of factors has led to people walking off the path surface and subsequent extensive trampling damage to the surrounding vegetation and fragile thin soils. There are wide erosion scars either side of the path. Not only is this unsightly, but ecological damage to fragile soils means that the material is being lost to surrounding watercourses at an alarming rate. A 250m section of path has been identified as requiring significant works. This will be tackled in at least two phases. The old stone path will be taken out in sections and replaced with a more modern style of pitching that is far more user friendly and will therefore deliver significant ecological benefits by preventing trampling damage, and the associated loss of material and sediment. This popular path will remain open throughout the works despite it being a large and complex project to deliver. The project will be delivered by our ranger team.
C131 Far Easedale to Greenup Edge
In 2024, a large project was undertaken to lay nearly 1km of flags across this remote peat bog which was suffering considerable erosion . The next phase of the work is much smaller in scale and will ensure there is a clear line for path users to use up the steeper sections towards Greenup Edge, so that the surrounding landscape is protected from further damage . Path definition, drainage and landscaping will be carried out by rangers and volunteers
C611 Loughrigg
The main path leading up to the summit from Loughrigg Terrace path was extensively rebuilt in 2021. Narrow sloping pitching was replaced with wider, flatter stonework and is now one of the best examples of high quality path repair work in the Lakes . The path is used by thousands of people each year and despite the high level of footfall the path remains in great shape – protecting the surrounding habitat and providing an excellent surface for people to use. Work in 2026 will focus on the final bits of stonework along the route and also assess the options for a grassy section near the summit where erosion is beginning to have an impact. Alternative options such as a bench path or aggregate tray path may be considered here to compliment the stone work .
C135 Stythwaite Steps to Bracken Hause
The iconic Helm Crag has always been a magnet for walkers visiting Grasmere. While there is a very obvious route up to the summit, this is not the case as you continue along the ridgeline. A big erosion scar had developed from Bracken Hause – the low point beyond Helm Crag – down into the Easedale Valley, as walkers sought the most direct route back to Grasmere village. Fix the Fells rangers and volunteers began to tackle this scar several years ago and ranger work will continue this year to complete the remaining sections of stone pitching.
C142 Stythwaite Steps to Easedale Tarn
The circular route from Grasmere village to Easedale Tarn is one of the most popular routes in the central Lakes. Consistent heavy use over time has meant that the stones that were laid many years ago to protect the peat on the right of way between the tarn and Stythwaite Steps bridge now require a considerable amount of repair. Work was completed in 2025 but a small amount of time is now needed to tackle a couple of additional sections in 2026. Wildlife ponds have been created either side of the path to enhance the biodiversity value of the area and these will be monitored closely and if successful,l will be replicated elsewhere on similar projects .
C382 Browney Gill
This popular route in the central fells was worked on extensively back in the 1980s and 1990s. Long stretches of stone pitching were laid in an old fashioned, sloping style which is very difficult to walk on and which we now consider to be out of date. If resources allowed, then much of the path would be entirely rebuilt however, this is not currently an option so work will focus on the worst sections of erosion. Repair to the path and surrounding landscape will be undertaken by rangers and volunteers – replacing short sections of old redundant pitching with flatter, easier to use stonework, as well as improving drainage and habitat restoration and landscaping.
E211 Gowbarrow
Year five of an ongoing project. Gowbarrow has grown enormously in popularity and use since the establishment of the Ullswater Way and also its promotion as an extension to the popular Aira Force Waterfall walk. The increased footfall has led to significant erosion scars developing and deep gullying appearing. A new mixed aggregate and stone path has been built and the surrounding vegetation is recovering well – assisted by some temporary post and rail fencing. 2026 work will concentrate on the upper sections of the path – both sides of the summit cairn where significant erosion through peat is very evident. Solutions will include stone work, an aggregate tray path and possibly the use of fleece to float the substrate across the wettest sections. Work on the “terrace” path along the lake-facing side will be undertaken at a future date when time and funds allow.
N132 Carlside to Mill Beck
Several of the drains on the upper section of this path had fallen into disrepair. Rangers and skilled volunteers repaired most of them in 2025, and in 2026 work will focus on landscaping the lower section of bench path to encourage path users to stay on a single line and avoid shortcutting.
N451 Catbells
There is always work to do on this ever popular and iconic fell! Regular work parties with rangers and volunteers will focus on a section near the summit where walkers are spreading out and trampling large areas, causing vegetation damage and soil loss. Landscaping and subtle path definition will aim to encourage users back onto a single, sustainable path line and hopefully allow the surrounding vegetation to recover. More significant works are planned for 2027 and beyond to replace narrow, sloping pitching with wider flatter sections more suited to the increased footfall. Sourcing stone for this next phase will be the first challenge.
N620 Whiteless Pike
A popular Wainright in the heart of the Buttermere SSSI and part of the Lake District High Fells SAC. The main path up Whiteless Pike is steep and wide in places, causing considerable environmental damage to the important surrounding habitat. Significant work began on this path in 2023 and will be completed in 2026. Rather than constructing a traditional stone pitched path, rangers have opted for a “bench pat ” which is an old method that cuts a zig zag up the slope across the contours. We were encouraged to consider such alternative approaches to path design here, due in part to the challenges finding suitable stone sources – as any local scree slopes are strictly out of bounds due to the important assemblages of plants they support. The success and longevity of this path will be closely monitored and reviewed.
N720 Loft Beck
The first big climb on the Coast to Coast route, the Loft Beck path has had significant work as part of the upgrade of the route to a National Trail. Rangers have extended sections of stone pitching and rebuilt a large stone revetment to ensure the existing path line remains usable and is resilient against future high water and flood events. A very small amount of stone work will be undertaken in 2026 to complete the work.
N876 Esk Hause to Calf Cove
Work on this high altitude path began in 2024 but stalled due to poor weather and other more pressing works. It will resume in 2026. Short runs of pitching and drainage repairs in a subtle style – suited to the wild landscape in which it sits, are required in order to reduce trampling and water damage to the surrounding thin fragile soils and associated vegetation. Rangers will complete this work in summer months, working extended days to maximise the time on site. Rangers will walk to Calf Cove from both Wasdale and Borrowdale and convene on site to work together.
W141 Brown Tongue
Ongoing work on England’s highest mountain: This year work will concentrate on two sections – one area where very old, narrow stone pitching will be pulled out and replaced with a wider, flatter, more inviting surface to walk on, and another section near the summit where a new path was built last year and now requires some additional landscaping to keep path users on the desired line and protect the surrounding fragile, thin soils and their important vegetation. Working on this path is both an enormous privilege and an enormous challenge. The stunning landscape in which it sits is such a joy to work in, but the challenge comes from the sheer numbers of people using the path – we need to find a way of protecting the area without spoiling the very essence of why they come – to experience a beautiful wild landscape. And we need to undertake the work sensitively and safely while the path remains open.
Ongoing Maintenance and Minor Repairs
The 400 sections of path that have been worked on and monitored in previous years will continue to be maintained on a traffic light system. Paths are rated according to the number of times our volunteers and Rangers need to return to them in order to clear the drains and sweep the stone pitching of any loose stones. This varies from once or twice a year, to every two months for some of the most heavily used paths. In addition, Fix the Fells Rangers and volunteers undertake a broad programme of minor repair works, particularly on well used paths and popular mountain routes.
Minor repairs will be carried out by volunteers on a number of additional paths throughout the season under the supervision and guidance of a specialist volunteer development ranger . This ability to respond in a timely manner to reports of minor issues can prevent problems from escalating in scale and urgency but there is always SO much more than we have the time, money or resource to tackle .
Please play your part by treading lightly and sticking to a sustainable surface if there is one so we can all continue to enjoy this special place for many generations to come.