National Cycle Network damaged by flooding

Sustrans reports that at least two cycle bridges have been damaged as a result of flooding in Cumbria, while a number of path and road sections of the National Cycle Network are submerged. The charity’s Cumbria team is advising anyone planning to cycle in the area to check both Sustrans and Cumbria County Council websites for information about route closures.

In Cumbria, the National Cycle Network includes several major long distance routes, such as the Sea to Sea (C2C) route from Whitehaven to Tynemouth, Hadrian’s Cycleway along Hadrian’s Wall and the Bay Cycle Way around Morecambe Bay.

Cumbria floods destroy bridge on C2C cycling route

Cumbria Area manager Nikki Wingfield has been trying to assess the full extent of damage to the network along with maintenance supervisor, Andy Small. However, they have been unable to access many sections.

Wingfield said:

“As you might expect large parts of the Network in Cumbria have been affected by the floods so please check Cumbria County Council’s and Sustrans websites before you set out. We are checking all our off road routes this week so in the next few days we will have a clearer picture about which sections will be disrupted longer term and will try to put diversions in place.

“We’re just a small team of two in Cumbria with a lot of land to cover but we will provide updates as we get them. If you know of any parts of the Network which have been affected please do get in touch so we can update everyone.”

Routes 71, Hadrian’s Cycle Way and the Sea to Sea (C2C) are temporarily closed due to flooding, while many on-road sections of the network are also affected. A cycle bridge at Keswick on the C2C has been lost, another at Braithwaite on Route 71 has collapsed, while those in Kendal are awaiting inspection by Cumbria County Council and should be avoided for the time being, as should the main road bridge in Appleby for the same reason. The bridge across the Leven at Greenodd will be closed until it has been cleared.

Sustrans say they will be working with the local authority to get routes reopened as soon as possible.