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Broken Bridge

Missing Bridges and Other Known Issues on Rights of Way

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Sometimes it is necessary for us to remove or tape off an unsafe bridge, or rights of way become obstructed or difficult to use due to other issues such as stepping stones being washed away or a riverside path surface eroding or collapsing. These issues do not always necessitate a legal temporary closure. Below are locations with current issues we are aware of on the rights of way network. We have provided details of usable alternatives where possible and what action we plan to take to address the issues.

Memorial Bridge over River Liza, Footpath 407033 Ennerdale and Kinniside Parish

Location: Grid reference:  NY 1757 1318, nearby What 3 Words reference: hushed.newlywed.legroom

Details of issue: We have had to remove the ‘Memorial Bridge’ over the River Liza in Ennerdale, which is crossed by Footpath 407033. The bridge was blown over and off its abutments during Storm Éowyn in January 2025, and sustained significant damage in the process.

Alternative routes: The most direct alternative routes for users wishing to cross the river are via the bridleway (407021) along the northern side of the river, or the forest track adjacent to the river on its southern side to reach the crossings at ‘Middle Bridge’ approximately one kilometre west-northwest of the closed bridge or (via the bridleway) the bridge southeast of Black Sail Hut.

Plans to address issue: We intend to replace this bridge as part of our bridge work programme when sufficient funding can be identified.

Map showing missing bridge in Ennerdale

Stepping stones over the River Lowther, Footpath 361020, Steps Hall, Shap Rural Parish

Location: Grid reference: NY 5600 1373, nearby What 3 Words reference: skips.bullion.cube

Details of issue: Some of the stepping stones have shifted leaving wider spaces between them, and some are wobbly.

Alternative Routes: There is an alternative set of stepping stones at Thornship to the northwest.

Plans to address issue: The stepping stones will need to be inspected by our Ranger team and works to re-set the stones prepared as part of their work programme.

Map showing closed path