The newly refurbished Greg's Hut. Photo: MBA

A bothy on the flanks of the highest hill in the Pennines has reopened after a major refurbishment.

Greg’s Hut on Cross Fell is now a weathertight and comfortable shelter, the Mountain Bothies Association said.

The charity, which jointly maintains the building with the Greg’s Hut Association, said the bothy has been transformed from a ‘cold, wet and sometimes ice cave’. Traditional materials were used in the renovation of the hut.

An MBA spokesperson said: “The roof has been replaced in its original form using Cumbrian heavyweight stone slabs and the porch has been rebuilt with new foundations.

“Improvements have also been made to the interior. The final phase of the work, finishing the external and internal walls with lime mortar, will be undertaken in the spring when temperatures allow.

“We would like to thank all of our volunteers who have assisted with the work, together with the contractors, Hymers Construction of Garrigill.”

Greg’s Hut is a small stone cottage built in the 19th century and situated close to the 893m (2,930ft) summit of Cross Fell, on the route of the Pennine Way national trail. It was originally built as a blacksmiths workshop and dormitory for miners from a nearby lead mine and was renovated in 1968 as an open shelter in memory of John Gregory who died in a mountaineering accident.

Earlier this year the MBA opened a £100,000 appeal to help fund the cost of the refurbishment. It said at the time: “Because the bothy is in a conservation area, it is a requirement that we rebuild the roof in its original form using traditional Cumbrian heavyweight stone slabs.”

The MBA currently maintains 103 bothies and two emergency shelters: 84 in Scotland, 12 in northern England and nine in Wales. The buildings are free to use by outdoor enthusiasts, as long as they follow the Bothy Code.