The cash would be used to repair the Brown Tongue path on Scafell Pike. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

A scheme to improve paths on England’s highest mountain is in the running for an £8,000 boost.

But the Fix the Fells bid will only secure the cash if enough walkers vote for the project in an online poll.

Save Scafell Pike is one of nine contenders in the Improving Cumbria category of the Community Choices contest for funding.

The project, submitted by conservation charity Nurture Lakeland in partnership with Fix the Fells, is appealing to walkers for their votes. If successful, the cash will be used to repair the Brown Tongue path on the Wasdale side of the fell.

Sarah Dale, acting director of Nurture Lakeland, said: “Scafell Pike is one of England’s most iconic mountains and it is much loved by locals and tourists alike.

“But sadly the pounding of thousands of pairs of hiking boots every year has eroded the mountain, leaving behind ugly scars and deep gullies. It is in dire need of repair.

“We are calling on all hillwalkers and lovers of the Lake District to back our project and vote for us now. We need your help to make a positive difference to this stunning mountain landscape.”

Members of the public have 10 votes on the Community Choices site, and the competition ends on Sunday 26 March, after which the winning projects will be announced.

If it wins the category, the charity will use the £8,000 grant to transport stone materials to the site by helicopter and then rebuild the path, fix drains and re-landscape erosion.

Voting is via the Community Choices website.