A £1.5 million Lake District path has been officially opened.
The West Windermere Way is a 5.6km trail connecting Newby Bridge and the Ferry line along the western shore of Windermere.
The new trail follows the lakeshore in some areas, and heads away from the lake to link key visitor attractions on its western shore.
The route is suitable for walkers, horse riders and cyclists and can be completed in its entirety or split up into three sections.
Part of the route is designated as the 51st Miles without Stiles route in the Lake District. This means it is suitable for people with mobility issues and families with prams or little legs.
The West Windermere Way connects various sustainable travel options like boat via Windermere Lake Cruises, rail via Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and bus routes at Newby Bridge.
It was officially opened by Copeland MP Trudy Harrison, who is also Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
She said: “We are enabling more people to connect with nature – as outlined in the Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan and also to be more active. The West Windermere Way achieves both, whilst helping local people to access other forms of transport and enabling visitors to experience the wonders of this beautiful place I also call home.
“The Lake District has a dynamic and historic landscape, this path will support sustainable tourism, providing an economic boost to many businesses too. I’m grateful to all those who made this new route possible and encourage everyone to visit the West Windermere Way.”
Richard Leafe, chief executive of the Lake District National Park Authority, said: “We are pleased to be able to officially open the new West Windermere Way as we know what a huge asset it will be to locals, visitors, and businesses.
“We look forward to seeing people enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of the West Windermere Way and seeing the trail’s impact on making car free travel part of the visitor experience in this area of the Lake District.”
Alan Towart, who lives nearby, said: “As a local wheelchair user this new path has given me great opportunities to leave the house and explore the nature around the Lakeside area. It also allows me to safely link with the bus route at Newby Bridge.”
