Caost to Coast re-paving paused for breeding season

Rangers oversaw the delivery of more than 500 tonnes of flagstones to the top of a hill in Birkdale last month, with the help of a quarry firm in nearby Kirkby Stephen. 

Work to create a three-kilometre-long flagged path over sensitive peatland on the route of the Coast to Coast Path National Trail has paused for the ground-nesting bird breeding season, but not before the logistical challenge of leading material from Lancashire stone reclamation yards was overcome.

A total of 300 pallets of flagstones were dropped off at Hartley Quarry, with permission of quarry owner Breedon Group plc, then hauled in small loads by McWhirter’s of Nateby to a layby on Tailbridge Hill on the road through Birkdale, before being airlifted to the line of path.

Creating the stone-flagged path is the biggest single project ever undertaken by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s ranger service.  In phase one, which began last August, 940 metres was laid.   A team of three rangers typically laid about 35 metres a day.   Later this year work will begin again to complete the remaining two kilometres.  

Member Champion for Recreation Management at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Lizzie Bushby, said: “We couldn’t have large lorries dropping off by the narrow road in Birkdale, so we needed a site nearby to serve as a holding area.   That’s where Breedon, the owners of the quarry, and Lhoist who operate the lime plant on site, stepped in.  I would like to thank them for their help. 

“We’ve received great feedback from members of the public about the first kilometre of new stone-flagged path, as it has enhanced the experience of walking over boggy ground, and is already doing its primary job of protecting the surrounding peatland from erosion.  In August we will pick up where we left off, and work hard to complete the full three kilometres as soon as possible.”

Jonathan Garbutt, Planning & Estates Manager at Breedon Group, said: “We’re very pleased to have been able to assist the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority with the creation of this section of the upgraded Coast to Coast National Trail. This will provide a great asset and much improved route for the walkers to use. The location of Hartley Quarry at the foot of the fells provided a perfect drop off point for the stone flags.”

The 197-mile Coast to Coast Path designated route – stretching across northern England from St Bees Head on the west coast to Robin Hood’s Bay on the east – is thought to be the most popular long distance walking trail in England. In 2022 the government decided to make it a National Trail.  

The trail first enters the Yorkshire Dales National Park north of Orton, ducking out a mile or so west of Kirkby Stephen before entering again on moorland between Nine Standards Rigg and White Mossy Hill. It exits the National Park more than 20 miles to the east, near the town of Richmond.