[A] section of one of the highest ancient roads in the Dales has been resurfaced by Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority rangers, with financial support from green lanes user groups.
A team of five rangers and five Dales Volunteers spent three days laying a fresh surface and clearing the drainage along 1.25km of the Cam High Road – or ‘Roman Road’ – above Hawes.
They raked and tamped a total of 166 tonnes of limestone aggregate, brought by lorry from a nearby quarry.
Two recreational motor vehicle user organisations funded the works. The North Yorkshire group of the Green Lane Association (GLASS) donated £2000 and the North Yorkshire and Teesside group of the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) donated £2500.
“The contributions from GLASS and TRF are greatly appreciated,” said Matt Neale, Area Manager (North) for the ranger service. “The Cam High Road is a valuable link in the local public rights of way network, and one that can be enjoyed by walkers, horse-riders, mountain bikers, as well as recreational vehicle users in 4x4s or on motorcycles.
“Having both GLASS and TRF help us maintain these routes and encourage responsible use of the National Park is a positive step forward. We are increasingly relying on donations from users of the National Park to help us to maintain the trail network.”
The Cam High Road is part of the Roman Road that ran from Lancaster to Bainbridge. It is a ‘green lane’, a public right of way designated as a Byway Open to All Traffic.
Barry Mounty, the North Yorkshire rep for GLASS, said he was glad the association had been given a chance to have a “positive impact” on the Dales:
“The green lanes in the Dales are my backyard,” he said. “I’ve been enjoying them for 30 or 40 years, and I’m really glad the association has been able to make a contribution towards the repair of the Cam High Road. We need to take care of the green lanes and preserve them, so that they can be there for everyone – for the hobbiest green laners like me, for horse riders, walkers and cyclists. The Cam High Road is a great road to travel on – the pleasure is in getting out into the open air, standing back and admiring the gorgeous views.”
Leo Crone, rights of way officer for the TRF, said the fellowship wanted to keep the road usable.
“The Cam High road represents everything I as a trail rider enjoy: stunning scenery, which is accessible and steeped in history. Money spent keeping it in good condition benefits everyone. As an organisation we see the Yorkshire Dales National Park engaging with motorised users in a positive way.”
The work took place in the week beginning Sunday 10 September 2017.
