[T]eams from Cumbria County Council’s highways and countryside access departments have recently completed repair and resurfacing works to Bollam Lane in Kirkby Stephen – also known locally as the Poety Path.
A 230 metre section of the public bridleway, which forms part of the path from Nateby Road down to the River Eden has been resurfaced and repaired following damage suffered during Storm Desmond.
The theme of the poetry path is, ‘A year in the life of a fellside farmer,’ and English poet Meg Peacocke was commissioned to write a series of 12 poems which reflect the farming calendar – subjects include hay-making, harvest, hedge-laying and lambing time.
Councillor Celia Tibble, Cumbria County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “I am delighted that works have now been completed on restoring this beautiful local path. The path tells an important story and will enable walkers to learn about the farming history of this wonderful area. The newly restored path will provide a lovely place to stroll for locals and visitors alike.”
The poems have been carved in to a series of stones along the path, which walkers will be able to read and trace a year in the life of a farmer. The path loops from Stenkrith near Kirkby Stephen to Hartley and back.
