Ahead of Disabled Access Day on Saturday, Lake District National Park volunteer and wheelchair user Annie Wallen this week visited a new path in Bampton to road test the work.
National Disabled Access Day, encourages people with mobility and access issues to try somewhere new, so it’s the ideal opportunity for Annie and her husband to trial the new stretch of public footpath at Bampton.
A new 200m stretch of path linking the Bampton Village Hall and a riverside path near the bridge over Haweswater Beck has recently been completed by volunteers and National Park rangers. The improvement works have included surfacing, installation of new gates and existing steps being replaced with a more accessible ramp as well as new fencing and hedge laying.
Annie Wallen said: “I’m a huge supporter of the National Park’s Miles without Stiles routes, and would urge anyone with access issues such as wheelchairs or prams, or those who prefer a low level walk to give one of them a go this weekend as part of Disabled Access Day. There are over 40 choose from in all areas of the Park, so there is something to suit everyone.
“It’s really heartening that even in smaller projects - like the Bampton path - Lake District rangers are working to make them as accessible as possible. This new path makes the route much more manageable, is safer and gives a better view of the surrounding scenery. Well done to all involved with the project.”
Suzy Hankin, Lake District National Park area ranger commented: “Working with our volunteers and the local community, we’ve ensured this relatively small but vital new link path has been created to a high standard. We’re pleased that feedback from Annie and the local community has been very positive.”
The project was funded by grants from the Lake District National Park, Friends of the Lake District Landscape Grant Fund as well as donations from Bampton Parish Council and the Bampton Trust.
Mike Dyke, Bampton Parish Councillor concluded: “We are delighted to have worked with National Park rangers and the owners of these fields to extend and repair the Millennium Path, linking Bampton Village and the Memorial Hall to the wider path network.”
Learn more about the Lake District’s Miles Without Stiles routes.
More information on Disabled Access Day here.
Photos shows: Volunteer Annie Wallen with (l-r) Husband Peter, Mike Jones from Bampton Trust, Jim Campbell from the Parish Council, Jan Darrall from Friends of the Lake District and Lake District National Park area ranger, Suzy Hankin.
