Thirlmere reservoir footpath reopens only to walkers

The lakeshore footpath has been reopened, but only to pedestrians

A footpath near a Lake District beauty spot that was damaged in a storm has reopened to walkers.

A section of road on the western side of Thirlmere reservoir was shut in 2021 over rock-fall fears from a crag.

More than 11,000 people petitioned for its reopening after walkers, cyclists and horse riders had to use the busy A591 on the lake's eastern side.

United Utilities opened the footpath on Friday, while a tarmac road alongside also reopened for horses and riders.

The water company said while surveys "gave reassurance the footpath was now safe", it warned there was still a risk of rockfall by Rough Crag.

Rough Crag is about 100 metres (328ft) in height sitting directly above the West Road, which is partly closed.

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United Utilities said mature trees near the crag had been loosened during storms and a "significant amount of loose material was still suspended directly above the road which presents a major risk".

Signage at the footpath warned pedestrians to be vigilant and advised that "the path is narrow, has uneven ground conditions and can slippery".

Thirlmere Reservoir, as seen from Rough Crag

Walkers can now complete a 10-mile (17km) loop round the reservoir, but cyclists remain prohibited.

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The water company said it was working on a project to make Rough Crag safe which involved tree and debris removal and rock pinning.