Access has been restored to a popular countryside walk in one of the most beautiful parts of Westmorland and Furness.
Three bridges have been replaced in Swindale Wood, in Stainmore Parish, near Brough, after the bridleway had been inaccessible for four years.
One of the larger bridges had been partially washed out and the remainder was subsequently removed, another 8.4-metre bridge had also become rotten in that time, and a smaller sleeper bridge had been washed away as well.
Westmorland and Furness Council's countryside access team have worked on the project in partnership with the landowners to restore access after the issue was raised by Cllr Graham Simpkins and at the Appleby and Brough Place Action Group.
The location meant replacing the larger bridge was a challenge. The access track is steep and narrow and as the woodland it passes through is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) there were restrictions on improving the access to get a new bridge in. The path also floods when the river is high so the bridge needed to be elevated.
It was decided that the safest way to get the 14-metre long beams in to site was by heli-lift, which had to be done in winter when the trees were not in leaf.
Cllr John Murray, Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services, which includes public rights of way and countryside access, said: "This project faced many projects, not least of all caused by the location. But, working with the community, landowners and suppliers, the team has made it happen and I am delighted that this beautiful area is accessible again.
“The councils' countryside access team does a fantastic job ensuring that walks, trails and routes the length and breadth of Westmorland and Furness are accessible and safe. This work, encouraging everyone into the outdoors, plays an integral part in meeting our Council Plan priority of supporting active, healthy happy lives for young and old.”
Installation of the bridges was carried out by Lakes and Dales Countryside and Landscaping Services, the shorter bridge being installed over the summer and the longer bridge being installed in early December. This was done to wait for the leaves to drop for better visibility for the helicopter pilots from PDG and to avoid disturbing nesting birds during the summer months. The challenge was then to find a suitable weather window in which the helicopter could fly and the river levels were low enough for the ground crew to be able to work safely. The cost of the installation was £30,850 from the council's Structures Capital Public Rights of Way budget.
The two larger bridges were bought from Brampton Woodworks using the Sustainable Travel Fund, one was 8.4 metres and the other was 14 metres. This cost in total £16,800
The shortest bridge was a five-metre sleeper bridge. Timber steps were also installed to improve accessibility down to the bridleway, this was also installed by Lakes and Dales Countryside and Landscaping Services for £4,620 in February last year using the council's Public Rights of Way maintenance budget.