The Miles Without Stiles route at Calder Bridge

Less mobile visitors to the Lake District will benefit from better paths, thanks to a £10,000 grant from a conservation group.

The ‘Miles Without Stiles’ routes at Calder Bridge and Pooley Bridge make access easier by removing unnecessary styles and gateways. Wheelchair users and families with pushchairs will find the going easier on the riverside path at Calder Bridge and on the right-of-way between Pooley Bridge and Ullswater.

The projects were among more than 30 which received more than £60,000 from the Friends of the Lake District. Other schemes helped by the organisation were the purchase of land for a village green at Outhgill in the Mallerstang valley; the creation of an open viewpoint and removal of non-native larch and spruce from the top of Great Howe, Thirlmere, and footpath resurfacing and kissing gates at Kirkbride parish near the Solway.

Despite the Friends’ name, many of the projects lie outside of the Lake District national park.

Jack Ellerby, policy officer with the Friends of the Lake District said: “Our grants help local community groups and landowners to conserve valuable landscape and environmental features. Through working in partnership with local people we can help keep our environment beautiful for future generations to enjoy.”

The Kendal-based organisation celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.