Two bridges destroyed in Storm Desmond in one of the Lake District’s most beautiful valleys are being replaced thanks to a major funding boost by an outdoor holiday organisation.
Falling outside the remit of the recently received £3million flood recovery payment scheme, Ghyll Brow and Ghyll Bank in the Newlands Valley will now see building work start next month.
Lake District National Park area ranger, Cath Johnson, said countless walkers would be indebted to HF Holidays and others for throwing a lifeline to a popular route devastated by Storm Desmond.
“The cost of replacing these structures totals nearly £22,000. They had been repaired with government money following 2009’s floods and therefore didn’t qualify for funding in our Routes to Resilience programme, which covers the cost of repair of the public rights of way network damaged in the 2015 storms.
“Straddling Keskadale and Newlands becks, the bridges are part of a stunning, low-level, circular walk from Hawes End through Newlands Valley, providing astounding views of Derwent Fells and Causey Pike.
“Their absence means the route is impassable for walkers and also, the local farmer. “We are delighted by the generosity of HF Holidays’ £12,000 donation, and all those who have allowed us do this work.”
Cath explained that although the bridges had in-built flood resilience, they had not been able withstand the extreme pressures of 2015’s storms.
“We’ve also had £4,500 in sponsorship for the Newlands Valley bridges and hope others who love walking in the Lakes will follow this kindness and consider making donations.”
People can donate easily on www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/caringfor/donate
HF Holidays encourages people to explore, discover and fall in love with the great outdoors. For more than 50 years its Pathways Fund has helped protect and improve the countryside.
Sarah Davis, of HF Holidays, said: “We are proud to be a supporter of this project through donations to our Pathways Fund, and delighted that the repairs to the bridges at Ghyll Brow and Ghyll Bank in the Newlands Valley will commence shortly to benefit both our guests and future visitors to the area.”
HF Holidays information on www.hfholidays.co.uk
Photo shows Ghyll Brow in the Newlands Valley where work will begin shortly to reconnect the bridge washed away by Storm Desmond reconnecting the route for walkers and local community.
