Breasthigh Pass Major repair work begins on iconic Cumbrian trail

Breasthigh Road closes for major repairs following grant of funding from National Grid

Breasthigh Road, a hugely popular unsurfaced right of way in the east of the Lake District National Park, will be closed at least until the end of October while a major programme of repair and improvements is carried out.

The trail, a spectacular mountain pass which stretches for just under two miles connecting Bretherdale and Borrowdale, is known for its loose, rocky surface and steep gradients – as well as the glorious views it provides in all directions. At its western end, it fords the sometimes deep Borrow Beck before joining the A6 midway between Shap and Kendal.

The works proposed by the Lake District National Park Authority will include surface repairs, tree planting and the creation of new dry-stone walls, in addition to replacing culverts, reinstating drainage ditches and installing two new bridges. It’s understood that the latter will be small culvert crossings and that the ford will remain as part of the route.

The work is to be paid for by a package of funding from the National Grid’s Landscape Enhancement Initiative (LEI). This includes £154,000 for the repairs to the byway itself, along with a further £170,000 to create new tree plantations on the in the Borrowdale valley and on the lower fl anks of Borrowdale Fell.

Repair projects in the recent past have seen a number of other green lanes in the Lake District turned from technically fascinating, near-natural routes into fl at gravel tracks drivable in almost anything. Many vehicle users have expressed dismay at this apparent policy of destroying the routes’ character; it seems likely that the same may be set to happen when Breasthigh reopens, with the authority’s plan being to ‘restore the western section… to

a surfaced, usable and sustainable green lane.’

The LDNPA says the project will: • Restore and increase the resilience of the drainage network by reinstating/clearing 1200m of existing drainage gully lines on either side of the track • Replace fi ve broken culverts. The replaced culverts will also be widened to increase resilience to future fl ooding • Pitch 38m of path to prevent further erosion of the route • Repair an existing traditional stone culvert using traditional techniques and create a pitched ford to reduce erosion above it • Re-landscape/profi le a severely eroded section of the route to prevent further erosion and loss of surrounding vegetation • Plant native trees on the fl anks of Borrowdale Edge on either side of Breasthigh Road

‘We are delighted to receive this grant funding from National Grid which will allow us to restore the route, making it more accessible for a wide variety of user groups including horse riders, cyclists and walkers,’ said Lake District National Park Area Ranger Suzy Hankin. ‘Additionally, we will carry out tree planting and dry stone wall repairs and put in place a maintenance plan to ensure the longer term future of the route.

‘The practical work to repair the path is due to start in summer 2022 and will take around three months to complete.’

The six-month closure, which commenced on 1 May, includes time for the repairs to settle. However the Green Lane Association believes that to prevent early use in wet conditions, it may be extended through the winter.

‘LARA fully supports these repair and maintenance proposals and accepts its partnership responsibility in securing the long-term stability of the route for all users,’ said Geoff Wilson of the Motoring Organisations’ Land Access and Recreation Association. ‘LARA will continue to advise its member organisations on how best to be involved in helping maintain the route and its use in keeping with the multi-user nature of it and the enhanced environment that will result from the project.’

The character Breasthigh Road will be left with following the programme of work is open to question. However as with Tilberthwaite Road, Arnside Intake, Bletherbarrow Lane and others, nothing (apart possibly from low cloud) will be able to detract from the magnifi cent views 4x4 drivers will be able to enjoy when using the Lake District’s many classic routes.