fbpx

Reconnecting the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path – Fundraising Campaign is Live!

Working with the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), we are launching a fundraising campaign to raise funds for the reconnection of the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path, and we are now looking for the help and support of local businesses and community groups with this campaign.

Heather Askew, fundraiser for the Lake District Foundation said “I know how much we all miss having this fantastic route available, whether it’s for a family walk, a training run or a cycle ride.  This accessible route has so much to offer for both locals and visitors and is a vital connection between Threlkeld and Keswick.  This fundraising campaign will help support the cost of getting this route fully restored.  I hope that local businesses and community groups in Threlkeld and Keswick will be keen to get involved and support this project.”

The flooding in December 2015 caused extensive damage to the trail, 2 bridges were unseated from their abutments and irreparably damaged, a third was badly damaged, 200m of path embankment was washed away and undercutting of the bank below is threatening the long-term stability of the boardwalk section.

The LDNPA intend to largely reinstate the original route, including work to replace the two missing bridges, to repair the third bridge, to re-route the trail around the missing section of embankment and to reopen the original railway tunnel to replace the raised boardwalk section.

Planning permission for the work is being applied for in March 2018 and the project is expected to cost around £5.4 million. A £2.5 million grant from Highways England has been awarded, and we are now looking to raise the shortfall of around £3 million.

The LDNPA anticipate that phase 1 (design) will be complete by July 2018 with the designs and necessary environmental and planning consents in place.  Subject to securing match funding, phase 2 (construction) could start as early as summer 2018.  The LDNPA will be sharing designs for the project in February 2018.

If you would like to get involved with this fundraising campaign, please email Heather Askew: [email protected] or call us on 01539 822622.

You can donate to the campaign by:

Don’t forget to follow the Lake District Foundation on Facebook and Twitter for the latest campaign updates!

 

Back To Top