Historic Keswick hut renovated with new benches, surfacing and drainage

Published on: 11 Dec 2024

Platelayers hut in Brundholme Bottom, Keswick, after renovations
Platelayers hut in Brundholme Bottom, Keswick, after renovations

In December, work was undertaken at hut at Brundholme Bottom, on the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail.

The historic building has experienced flooding, which is worsened by recent storms.

The shelter is referred to as a ‘platelayer’s hut’, which is a term for a railway employee. The hut would have provided welcome shelter for anyone working on the track.

Nowadays the hut provides welcome respite and shelter for walkers on the Keswick to Threlkeld trail.

Carl Bradford, Area Ranger for Lake District National Park, said: “The issues with the hut flooding inside was raised by our Keswick to Threlkeld volunteer team who undertake weekly inspections of the trail, checking its safe, clear of litter, and engaging with the public using the trail.

“The hut is used as a resting point for people using the trail these days, with interpretation boards situated outside the hut explaining a little of the history of the trail, and with it being about halfway along the trail, it’s a very popular rest point for people.

“Over time gravel and sediment has built up in the hut meaning the floor gets very wet and is unable to drain”.

The Lake District National Park ranger team added the job into their work programme, working with our volunteers to improve the situation.

Rangers and volunteers worked to scrape the inside of the hut back to its original floor level and reinstate drainage to remove water within the hut.

The team also replaced old benches with two new ones outside the hut and restored the external ground level which was well worn by use, making it much dryer for weary walkers resting their feet.

Image credit: Adam Bazire.

  • Platelayers hut in Brundholme Bottom, Keswick, after renovations

    Platelayers hut in Brundholme Bottom, Keswick, after renovations

  • Platelayers hut in Keswick before drainage and resurfacing

    Platelayers hut in Keswick before drainage and resurfacing

  • Platelayers hut after drainage is installed

    After drainage is installed

  • Work being carried out on platelayers hut

    Work being carried out on platelayers hut

  • Benches are built for platelayers hut in Keswick

    Benches being built for walkers on the Keswick to Threlkeld trail

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