Access and recreation strategy - Lake District National Park

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Home Protect People and recreation Access and recreation strategy

Our access and recreation vision

The Lake District is a special place for residents and visitors to enjoy and care for. Here we give you more information on ways to enjoy and look after the Lake District and about how we look after this iconic landscape.

Our vision is for a well-connected access network, fit for purpose in our 21st century with high quality infrastructure, facilities and services which meet the needs of all residents and visitors.

Read the full Access and Recreation Strategy (PDF)

Landscape view of ennerdale water and surrounding fells on a sunny day. Adult male stood with mountain bike on ennerdale bridge

Improve

Rights of way and countryside access

Developing the Coast to Coast National Trail, accessibility improvement, and new and improved access through the Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme.

signpost, footpath, hawkshead

Manage and maintain

Rights of way, countryside access and recreational activities

Improving ease of use of rights of way, supporting the Fix the Fells programme and maintaining Miles without Stiles routes to a high standard.

Promote and engage

Connect more people to nature and the special qualities of the Lake District

Provide information, guided walks and waymarking to ensure the Lake District is for everyone. Continue education work at Brockhole and engagement on enjoyable, responsible and safe visiting.

picture of a family next to a bus

Integrate

With health and wellbeing sustainable transport and the economy

Draw together activities focussing on villages and towns, enabling residents and visitors to take part in healthy sustainable active travel. Connect towns on the edge of the national park through active travel routes.

Local Access Forum

The Cumbria and Lakes Joint Local Access Forum (CALJLAF) advises decision makers about making improvement to public access for outdoor recreation. Members of LAFs are volunteers including a range of people from the local community: recreational users, landowners and people with other specialist interests. We meet three times a year and welcome new members.

Learn about the Local Access Forum, including what they do, how often they meet and how to get involved.