Work on the path progresses during the airlift. Photo: Hanson Aggregates
Walkers heading for the summit of one of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks will be on a firmer footing thanks to a donation from a quarry company.
The path from Ingleton above Crina Bottom has been top-dressed to give a better surface for walkers and cyclists heading for Ingleborough using stone from a nearby quarry.
The 140 tonnes of stone was airlifted into position by a helicopter carrying almost a tonne at a time in a hopper.
Hanson Aggregates, which owns Skirwith Quarry in Ingleton, provided the gritstone for the path, which lies little more than 2km from the excavation site which lies just within the Yorkshire Dales national park, north-east of Ingleton.
Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority area ranger Steve Hastie said: “This is a busy path and needed a bit of TLC to keep it in good condition.
“The donation by Hanson’s has enabled us to top-dress the path surface to complete restoration work that began last summer and the fact that the stone has been moved such a short distance is a real bonus.
“We would like to say a big thank you to Hanson UK, who are one of the Corporate Friends of the Three Peaks and have made a real contribution to the long-term sustainability of the path network in the area.”
“And we are very grateful to local residents and the Ingleborough Commoners who gave their permission for us to lift the stone from Cod Bank, above Cold Cotes.”
Malcolm Petyt, the authority’s member champion for recreation management, said: “I walked this path with Steve in March and the surface had become sticky due to frost damage. It’s great to see the final surface being laid, which should last a good few years.”
Skirwith Quarry manager Tom Felix said: “As a keen walker who lives locally it was a privilege for me to be able to be part of this project.
“The economy locally is heavily dependent on tourism and good paths are important in encouraging visitors to the area. Quarrying is also vital to the local economy and it is important that we help where we can in this way.
“I hope that those who enjoy the improvements are aware that their recreation is helped by our industry.”
