Lengthsman for Fix the Fells

Yesterday I joined a day in Langdale as an introduction to becoming a Lengthsman for the Fix the Fells project.  Volunteer Lengthsmen are responsible for much of the regular maintenance of the paths that have been built up the fells over the last 30years, particularly helping to keep the drainage systems clear so that the paths built with so much hard graft last for many years keeping the erosion on the fells to a minimum.  I'll tell you more about it another time but suffice to say that feet + path + water = erosion.



Walking up the fairly newly constructed stonelaid path up west side of Stickle Ghyll

 About 40 of us met at Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Langdale for chat - slides - cake  (not necessarily in that order)  After we had signed up for a series of training days we all walked up to Stickle Tarn with Fix the Fells professionals and other volunteers. Fortunatel since I have an ML and 1st Aid Certificate I only have to learn to lift rocks, use a broom and shovel!! There was plenty of opportunity to see path building in action and to get a good idea of what the role entailed.  Lunch up by the tarn followed by a gentle walk down one of the many routes alongside the Ghyll. 

Lunch by the ouflow of Stickle Tarn