Greg's Hut sits high on the Pennine Way

The Mountain Bothies Association has launched an appeal for its costliest ever renovation project.

The charity has estimated restoring the roof of Greg’s Hut will need an outlay of more than £100,000.

The shelter, which sits on the slopes of the Pennines’ highest mountain Cross Fell, has been exposed to severe weather and winter storms, leading to the need to remove and replace its roof.

The MBA said: “Because the bothy is in a conservation area, it is a requirement that we rebuild the roof in its original form using traditional Cumbrian heavyweight stone slabs.

“This will require the use of specialist contractors and the material will have to be carried in by helicopter – two expensive undertakings. We hope to be able to undertake the work during summer of this year.”

MBA chairman Simon Birch said: “At an estimated cost of just over £100,000, this will be our most expensive renovation project to date. While we will be able to meet some of this cost from our existing funds, it would adversely impact on our ongoing programme of maintenance and plans for new bothies if we had to meet the cost in full.

The charity has to use traditional materials in the restoration of Greg's Hut

“We are therefore launching this public appeal for assistance with the costs.

“The renovation work will ensure the future of the hut as a mountain refuge for anyone wishing to shelter, as a base for mountain rescue teams when called out to the area, and as a control centre for the annual Montane Spine Race.”

Greg’s Hut is a small stone cottage built in the 19th century and situated almost 700m (2,297ft) above sea level, close to the summit of Cross Fell. It was originally built to house workers from a nearby lead mine and was renovated in 1968 as an open shelter in memory of local climber John Gregory who died in a mountaineering accident. The bothy is maintained jointly by the MBA and the Greg’s Hut Association.

The MBA currently maintains 103 bothies and two emergency shelters: 84 in Scotland, 12 in northern England and nine in Wales.

Donations to the appeal can be made via the charity’s website or by cheque, postal order, Charities Aid Foundation voucher or Stewardship voucher, sent to Mountain Bothies Association, Henderson Black and Co, Edenbank House, 22 Crossgate, Cupar KY15 5HW.