The footpath in Wensleydale has been repaired. Photo: YDNPA

A flood-hit footpath in the Yorkshire Dales has been repaired to make the going easier for walkers.

The route along the River Ure between Askrigg and Aysgarth in Wensleydale had been badly damaged by flooding and was in need of urgent repair, a national park ranger said.

Paul Sheehan, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s access ranger for Lower Wensleydale said: “The footpath near Lady Hill had become increasingly impassable over recent years due to flooding and erosion,” he said.

“It was in a right state and we had to create a new walking surface above the flood-line.”

Workers used 110m of green willow poles, or spiling, which were put into the ground and woven together in an effort to stabilise the eroded banks and limit sedimentation of the river.

To encourage the willow to take root and grow, stock fencing with gates for access at either end has been installed.

The state of the flood-hit path before the repairs. Photo: YDNPA

Mr Sheehan said: “We would particularly like to thank the Dales Volunteers and the landowners and tenants, Rob and Martin Fawcett, Antony Abraham and Robert Ewbank, for their help and co-operation.”

Nick Cotton, the YDNPA’s member champion for recreation management, said: “The authority has a responsibility to maintain the 2,000km of public footpaths and bridleways within the national park and we couldn’t do it without the help of our Dales Volunteers and the goodwill of the landowners, farmers and tenants.”