Users of two popular rural roads in the central Lake District are being asked to share their experiences of the routes through new online surveys. This will give the National Park Authority the information and evidence it needs to propose any access changes when it is reviewed later this year.
The future management of the two unsealed roads at Tilberthwaite and High Oxen Fell is a joint project between the Lake District National Park, Cumbria County Council and the National Trust, who own the farms and surrounding land.
Both public roads are enjoyed by a wide range of users – pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists, motorcyclists, and motorists – who can currently use their entire length.
From 18 February until the end of May two surveys will be available for the public to complete online giving their experiences of using these roads. Participants will be asked a series of questions about their enjoyment of the roads and the area, and the impacts on aspects such as natural beauty, tranquillity and amenity. This evidence will be used to inform the proposals for the future management of the roads which will be taken to the Lake District National Park’s Rights of Way Committee in October 2019.
The survey can be found online at: www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/tilberthwaite
Additionally, two information drop-in sessions are being held to give people the chance to discuss the project with the Lake District National Park, Cumbria County Council and National Trust staff before completing the survey online.
The first session will be held on Tuesday 26 February from 3.30pm – 7pm at Coniston Sports and Social Centre, Shepherds Bridge Lane, Coniston LA21 8AL.
The second session will take place on Tuesday 5 March from 3.30pm – 7pm at Skelwith Parish Rooms, Community Hall, Skelwith Bridge LA22 9NW.
Steve Tatlock, Park Management Team Leader at the Lake District National Park said: “These two roads are popular for a variety of activities, so it’s important we hear from as many users as possible. The information from the online survey, in addition to on-site surveys, photography, road maintenance and vehicle monitoring from the past 18 months, will all be used to inform our recommendations in October.”
