We believe it is important that local people and visitors can get into the beautiful countryside of Cumbria. As the second most tranquil county in England, (after Northumberland) the chance to relax and unwind, as well as get some exercise, is vital for everyone’s health and well being. We believe that the best way to do this is through activities such as walking, cycling, sailing, climbing, canoeing and horse riding.

Cumbria has an extensive public rights of way network, including footpaths, bridleways and restricted byways. In the National Park alone there are 8 million visitors a year, many of whom use the network to go walking, cycling and riding.

All those feet, tyres and hooves are having an impact and so we support the Fix the Fells (www.fixthefells.co.uk) project run by the Lake District National Park Authority [link towww.lake-district.gov.uk], the National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk) and Natural England  (www.naturalengland.org.uk) which repairs upland footpaths.



The project runs from 2007 – 2012 and each year Friends of the Lake District is putting in around £40,000 to help fund repairs and maintenance.