New figures released this week reveal that Lake District volunteers spent over 3,200 days repairing fell paths used by thousands of people a year.
In 2025, 147 volunteers spent 3,206 days maintaining paths and carrying out repairs.
Fix the Fells volunteers worked on 219 paths, covering a total of 421km, by clearing drains, removing debris and providing information on path conditions.
Their work complements the technical expertise of Fix the Fells’ upland path rangers.
The number of days contributed in 2025 is an increase on the previous record set in 2024, which saw 3,029 days of time contributed to the charity.
David Nichols started volunteering 10 years ago with Fix the Fells because he wanted to learn new skills, meet like-minded people and feel he was giving something back into an area he loved so much.
He said: “I really enjoy being part of a team gaining the satisfaction and sense of achievement of ‘getting the job done’ despite the challenging terrain and weather conditions.
“I like to think I am doing my bit to help protect the environment encouraging use of the footpaths keeping them well maintained and preventing erosion whilst having a great day out on the fells with a few laughs and plenty of banter.”
In total, 341 path maintenance days were completed by volunteers with 248 work parties across 66 paths.
These involved completing minor repairs at locations including St Raven’s Edge at Kirkstone, Wythburn at Helvellyn, Carlside at Skiddaw and Scafell Pike.
Volunteers also spent 250 days volunteering for desk-based roles at Fix the Fells, which is a partnership between the National Trust, the Lake District National Park Authority, Friends of the Lake District, the Lake District Foundation, and Natural England.
Isabel Berry, partnership manager for Fix the Fells, said: “Our team of Fix the Fells volunteers are critical to the ongoing maintenance of a huge number of routes on the fells, including many of the most popular such as Catbells, Loughrigg, Scafell Pike and Helvellyn.
“Our volunteers ensure every route under Fix the Fells care is maintained at least once a year, and often much more frequently. They support in keeping drains flowing freely, clearing debris off the path surface and reporting back any issues. Without their input, path condition would rapidly deteriorate.
“Their work enables us to care for nature in the fells, supporting healthy plant growth alongside paths, preventing erosion of soil into watercourses and enabling path users to have a more enjoyable experience in the fells.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication of each of our volunteers. With millions visiting the Lake District each year, as well as local communities exploring the fells, the work of Fix the Fells in caring for this landscape, has never been needed more.”
It costs Fix the Fells around £650,000 each year to deliver work which protects the Lake District.
It is paid for by donations. To donate, visit https://www.fixthefells.co.uk/
