[W]orking with the Lake District National Park Authority the Lake District Foundation is launching a fundraising campaign to raise funds for the reconnection of the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path.
The Foundation is keen to enlist the help and support of local businesses and community groups in 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. 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 reconnection during February 2018.
In December 2017 the LDNPA were delighted to announce a major funding boost to the project – a £2.5 million grant from Highways England and a partnership with the Lake District Foundation to jointly fundraise the shortfall of around £3 million.
As well as a plea to local businesses and community groups to get involved with the campaign, you can give directly by:
Visiting www.lakedistrictfoundation.org/keswick-to-threlkeld to donate online or
Texting “KTOT18 £10” to 70070 to donate £10 to the campaign
If you would like to get involved in the campaign you can email Heather Askew [email protected]
