Pass to shut for two weeks to replace cattle grid

Hardknott Pass will be closed from Monday

A mountain pass will be closed for almost two weeks so a cattle grid can be replaced.

Hardknott Pass, a single-track road which snakes through the middle of the Lake District, will close from 3 to 14 November for work to replace the grid near Cockley Beck.

Access to the steep road, which is a popular cycling route, would remain open for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists, said Cumberland Council.

The local authority said it was working with farmers to ensure they could continue to get to their livestock during the closure.

Councillor Denise Rollo, executive member for connected places, said: "While this work may cause some short-term disruption, the upgraded cattle grid will bring long-term benefits for farmers, cattle, and all who travel through this area."

The Cockley Beck cattle grid is one of two on Hardknott Pass managed by the council.

The authority is spending £85,000 during this financial year on replacing and maintaining cattle grids across Cumberland, including clearing debris, maintaining bypasses and repairing walls and fencing.

The authority added the work was subject to weather conditions.