Ranger Thomas Andrews at the site where repairs have been carried out. Photo: YDNPA
National park rangers have completed repairs on a section of the Yorkshire Three Peaks route.
The path is one of the busiest in the Yorkshire Dales, the national park authority said.
Stone pitching has been installed, and resurfacing work carried out, on the path that leads from the hamlet of Brackenbottom, near Horton in Ribblesdale, towards the summit of the 694m (2,277ft) fell.
The route is traditionally used by walkers attempting the challenge of completing the Three Peaks route, involving ascents of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.
A national park spokesperson said 80 tonnes of stone blocks and 232 tonnes of aggregate from the nearby Horton Quarry were used in the work.
Three Peaks ranger Thomas Andrews, whose role is to maintain the paths on the 24-mile circuit, led the work.
He said: “When I started here last year, I was amazed at the erosion of this section.
“It was all brown and scarred and the path had widened as people found ways around the mud. In summer months hundreds of people come up and down here every day.
The pitched stone section of the path. Photo: YDNPA
“Pen-y-ghent is for many people their first experience of hillwalking in the national park, so we’re pleased to make this section of the path good again.”
Member champion for recreation management at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Lizzie Bushby, said: “Maintaining the paths of the Yorkshire Three Peaks is one of our greatest challenges.
“Thankfully we have a Three Peaks ranger who is not overawed, and we are really proud of the work that he and colleagues have done at Brackenbottom.
“The work was made possible only because of generous public support. I hope people will continue to back the Three Peaks Project, so we can look after this fragile environment. There are several ways to donate, including by becoming a Friend of the Three Peaks.
“I would also take this opportunity to remind people that we have a Three Peaks code of conduct which helps keep the area special for everyone. We have new code of conduct leaflets and posters. Local businesses are invited to help promote positive messages about walking the Three Peaks responsibly. Send a note to [us] and we will deliver some leaflets.”
