Council workers at the site of the emergency repairs. Photo: Cumbria County Council

Walkers and mountaineers heading for some of the Lake District’s most popular fells will no longer have to follow a long diversion.

The road through Borrowdale, which was closed for emergency repairs, is due to reopen partly on Monday.

Cumbria County Council said it hopes to allow alternate one-way traffic on the B5289 a week earlier than anticipated.

A section between Keswick and Rosthwaite was closed to traffic on 10 February for emergency repairs on a retaining wall, necessitating lengthy alternative routes via Buttermere and Honister or a difficult drive along the narrow back road on the western side of Derwent Water.

A council spokesperson said: “It had been expected the road would remain closed for six weeks while works were carried out, but council highways team have pulled out all the stops to reopen the road a week ahead of schedule.

“Weather permitting, one lane of the road will reopen with traffic controls from Monday 17 March while the works are completed.

“The council would like to thank local businesses and road users for their patience during the closure and apologises for any inconvenience.”

The closed section is close to the junction with the road to Watendlath.