Simon Smith on the restored bridge at Buttermere Dubs

Lakeland walkers can again make a circuit of Buttermere lake after the restoration of a bridge following a donation.

The Buttermere Dubs bridge had been closed or only temporarily open for a number of years following damage to the original bridge.

This meant anyone wanting to walk around the lake needed to make a detour.

Simon Smith, who said he had crossed the original bridge many times with his wife Lynn, made a donation to the Friends of the Lake District in her memory, enabling repairs to the crossing, south-west of Buttermere village.

The Friends said poor weather initially hindered repair and replacement work earlier this year but thanks to more clement weather the route around Buttermere, crossing the bridge, is now permanently accessible again.

Mr Smith said: “Lynn and I must have crossed the original bridge over 100 times together, so it is a wonderful project for me to fund in her memory.

“I’m grateful to Friends of the Lake District for finding such a fitting project to support.

“It’s been great following the progress in recent weeks and I must give tremendous thanks to the [Lake District National Park Authority] team: Dan, Steve, Phil and Nick; not forgetting Pippin the dog. I’ve been astonished at how quickly the work has been completed, particularly given the wet August.

A plaque in memory of Lynn on the bridge

“The circuit of Buttermere, one of the Lake District’s most exquisite jewels, is fabulous in all weathers at all times of the year, with so many opportunities to linger, enjoy Buttermere’s sylvan loveliness, and perhaps remember previous walks and company.”

Rachel Dorrington, of Friends of the Lake District, said: “Following Simon’s donation, we invited him to write a short article for our members’ magazine Conserving Lakeland in which he described a love of the Lake District shared with his late wife Lynn and the plan to fund the repair of this special bridge.

“It’s a fitting moment to reiterate its closing words: ‘Next time you cross the bridge perhaps you might pause a while, reflect on the wonders all around, and do please share a smile for Lynn’.”

Reinstatement of the bridge restores the circular route around Buttermere, removing mile-long detour required to circumvent it, opening up the path to the lakeshore once more.

Cath Johnson, Lake District national park area ranger, said: “The Buttermere valley is one of the Lake District’s most striking landscapes, and is a popular spot for walkers and nature lovers alike.

“We’re delighted work at Dubs Bridge has been completed as it’s an important link to the lakeshore and opens up this fantastic route. The sponsorship we receive is invaluable and we hope others who love walking in the Lakes will follow this kindness and consider making donations.”