Grasmere to Dunmail Raise Active Travel

The idea of creating an active travel link between Grasmere and Dunmail Raise has been explored for over a decade, with strong support from stakeholders throughout this time. The route is important because it closes a missing section of the National Cycle Network.  It is also included in the Cumbria Transport Infrastructure Plan (2022–2037) and the supporting Heart of the Lakes Active Travel Infrastructure Strategy (ATIS).

Early studies considered several route alignment options. These studies found the most practical choice is to use existing roads, rather than creating new off-road links. These decisions were based on factors like the presence of protected landscapes, environmental sensitivities, steep gradients, land availability, and cost implications.

The preferred alignment for the route is shown on the map below. The route can be divided into three sections based on their characteristics:

Section 1: A591 – Starting at the end of a recently completed off-road walking, cycling and horse-riding route located south of Thirlmere Reservoir (near Dunmail Cairn) and following the A591 south to Town Head.

Section 2: Rural roads – At Town Head the route moves onto quiet rural lanes, via Easedale Road and Helm Close.  

Section 3: Within Grasmere- The route enters the village of Grasmere via Easedale Road and continues along Broadgate to Langdale Road.

A map showing key roads and locations relevant to the proposed active travel route. The A591 is shown in orange, rural roads in blue and the route within Grasmere in yellow. Landmarks and locations such as Dunmail Cairn, Town Head and Grasmere Village Hall are labelled. The map illustrates how the active travel route connects through Grasmere and links to surrounding roads and paths.

The A591 carries a high volume of traffic at average speeds of over 50mph. There is currently no footway for pedestrians, only a narrow verge with overgrown vegetation. People wheeling have no alternative but to use the carriageway. Cyclists and horse riders must do the same. The combination of fast-moving traffic and occasional unsafe driver behaviour makes this section unsuitable in its current state for walking or wheeling and challenging even for experienced cyclists.

In contrast the rural roads north of Grasmere are generally quiet and have low traffic speeds. These lanes are already used by people walking, wheeling, cycling and horse riding, sharing the space with vehicles. However, some areas suffer from poor road surfaces and drainage.

Within Grasmere village, streets are mainly designed for vehicles, with limited defined space for pedestrians and cyclists. During busy tourist periods, pedestrians often spill into the road, slowing traffic. Cycle parking is hard to find and underused.