The work is to repair the path between Striding Edge and Helvellyn's summit

Walkers tackling one of the Lake District’s most popular scrambling routes to England’s third-highest peak face disruption while path repairs take place.

The national park authority said a helicopter will be used to drop stone on the path between Striding Edge and Helvellyn’s summit in the near future.

Marshals will be on hand during stone drops to stop walkers while the operation takes place, but the route is not being closed.

The work is planned between Wednesday 23 April and Friday 9 May but the authority can’t give definite dates because the airlifts will depend on conditions near the 950m (3,117ft) mountain top.

Lake District national park management leader Chris Tomlin said the exercise was entirely weather dependent.

He said: “We are not closing the route, but marshals will be in place to stop walkers during the drops. Obviously this is a hugely popular route and we aim to keep disruption to a minimum.

“However, safety is our main priority. The ridge is challenging terrain at the best of times. I’m sure people will understand we have to help protect them and keep the path surface maintained to the best of our ability.

“Countless Lake District paths have fallen victim to millions of boots trampling over them, causing erosion and surface damage. Thanks to Fix the Fells, a charity set up to raise funds for restoration, many are being repaired.

“We are grateful that many who love walking in hills have supported the venture, which is paying for the Striding Edge renovations.”

He said that, due to fast changing summit weather conditions, it was not possible give specific dates and times for the helicopter drops.

“It’s literally a case of seizing the opportunity when it presents itself within the given timescale,” he said.

The national park has earmarked Friday 25 April for the drop if weather is suitable.