Mixed response to light blue Loughrigg Fell path

A post about the newly-gravelled bridleway to Loughrigg Fell, above Ambleside, has led to some users venting their anger on Lake District Mountain Bike Association (LDMBA) Facebook page.

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Commenting on the post, Phil Blaylock said: “Really? Why do people see the need to urbanise the countryside?”

Mike Stephenson wrote: “It won’t be long before mountain bikes are redundant in the Lakes and all you’ll need is a gravel bike or hybrid.”

Some suggested that the work may be to make the path more accessible for wheelchair users. Henry Taylor wrote that it would be ‘a blessed relief’ to all the wheelchair users he had seen ‘struggling up the rough path’.

However, a spokesperson for the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) said the gravel was part of flood repair work following Storm Desmond and would make the pathway more robust.

Ged Acton, flood recovery project manager for the LDNPA, said the surface material used would ensure the path was more resilient to future flooding and erosion.

“People get used to seeing footpaths and bridleways looking well-walked and often don’t spot the damage that’s been caused, so any new surface may look contrasting at first, however we know that over time the appearance will soften and look more at home in the surrounding landscape,” he said.

Dan Stringer, chair of the LDMBA, said the group had built up good relationships with local authorities and appreciated the work - but his main concern was the lack of consultation.

He said: “Because of this we could not advise our members in advance and some heated discussions started on our Facebook group, after a member ‘found’ that this work had been done.”

He said the LDNPA had apologised to him and was told the group would be consulted in the future.

“We are not wanting bridleways to be our trails,” he said. “We’d just like to offer a voice on how these shared use trails can be managed to best suit the needs of all users.”