Fix the Fells and BMC volunteers improve Scafell Pike footpath
BMC volunteers from the Get Stuck In programme joined Fix the Fells last month in Wasdale on Lingmell Breast, one of the main routes up to Scafell Pike. They spent the day helping to maintain part of this hugely popular footpath up to England’s highest mountain.
Aptly for the rather soggy weather, drainage was a theme, and in these photos you can see the enthusiastic volunteers digging out and building a wath - a drain which is a bit like a small ford. This collects water from a wider area than a narrower drainage ditch, funnelling it away from the footpath and preventing erosion damage.
Fix the Fells Partnership Manager says, “Thank you to all - the BMC volunteers, the Fix the Fells rangers and regular volunteers, who supported these days.” While volunteer Ellie said, “It’s been super fun and I recommend that you all get stuck in!”
Fancy it?
You can help to restore footpaths in the Lake District, Snowdonia and Peak District on our Get Stuck In days, one day missions to two-day events with basic accommodation provided. Not only will you be doing vital footpath repair work, drainage ditch digging, cairn-scattering and/or clearing litter and invasive species, but you will also have the opportunity to learn new skills and meet like-minded people.
Find all our volunteering opportunities here.
The BMC Get Stuck In projects and one Fix the Fells ranger are funded by Mend Our Mountains, an award-winning campaign from the BMC Access & Conservation Trust (ACT) which has raised a total of £1.4 million since its creation in 2016 to repair Britain’s hills and mountains. Since then over 50 miles of fragile footpath has been restored for future generations and 544 miles of upland has been repaired - the equivalent length of over 67,000 double decker buses!
Find out more, volunteer and donate here.
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