With The Lake District and The Yorkshire Dales on our doorstep - KDCS offers an exciting selection of cycle rides throughout the local area and beyond. There are social gatherings including slide shows, talks and supper evenings and members are kept up to date with cycling news and issues through this web site, emails and our Facebook pages. KDCS are an affiliated group of Cycling UK.

Monday, October 30, 2017

Consultation on the Public Right of Way status of four sections of the Old Shap Road

From: Nick Thorne <Nick.Thorne@lakedistrict.gov.uk>

Subject: RE: Consultation on the Public Right of Way status of four sections of the Old Shap Road

Sent: 05 October 2017 12:14

Dear consultee

Potential modification of bridleways 585023, 523003, 523005, 361005, 355001, and 361004 – The Old Shap Road  Parishes of Whitwell & Selside, Fawcett Forest, Shap Rural, and Orton

We have received an application from the Cumbria Trail Riders Fellowship to record sections of the Old Shap Road as ‘Byways Open to All Traffic’.  The four sections of this route affected are shown on the enclosed map.

This application has been sent to us as the authority that looks after the rights of way in the National Park.  We maintain and manage the network, but also look after the definitive map – which shows all the footpaths, bridleways, and byways.  This means that we have to investigate any claims that amendments should be made.

I must stress at this point that this application has not come from the Authority, but from the applicant themselves

The basis behind the application was that the old turnpike road was a public carriage road, which has never actually been closed – merely superseded by the modern A6.  And on the premise of ‘once a highway, always a highway’ that it therefore still remains as a public carriage road – and that it has been incorrectly shown on the definitive map of public rights of way as a public bridleway.

We have carried out various pieces of research, and it does indeed seem as though the old turnpike road still carries public carriage rights.  However, since the advent of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act in 2006, any mechanically propelled vehicular rights (motorbikes, 4x4s) have probably been extinguished – leaving ‘carriage’ to basically mean horse and cart.

It therefore seems as though it is likely that the correct status of the Old Shap Road is a ‘Restricted Byway’ – which means all traffic except that which is mechanically propelled (motor vehicles).

I am hoping to take the matter to our Rights of Way Committee early next year, but before then I would very much appreciate any information or evidence you have as to any of these sections of the Old Shap Road.  Such as, any knowledge of the history of the route, or documents you hold or know about – together with any information as to usage of the route over the last 40-50 years or so – such as whether they have been used by motorbikes, 4x4s, horses, pedal cycles and so on.

The matter will be determined on the evidence, both documentary and user – as to what the public status is.  Issues such as suitability of the route for any particular user, or the desirability of any such use are not matters that we are allowed to take into account.

If you are able to forward any information or your views and responses before the 7th November 2017, it would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you.


Nick Thorne
Countryside Access Adviser
Lake District National Park Authority
Direct 01539 792621


Monday, August 14, 2017

Cycle route, Wildman Street, Kendal

CCC are asking for feedback from local cyclists about their proposals for Wildman Street. 
Attached are the plans and an illustration of the barrier they intend using (plans are very low res, so not easy to read).
 Basically they're proposing reducing the traffic to one lane and widening the footpath on the eastern side to make a shared, unsegregated pedestrian/cycle route.
Please email any comments to Liz Ashburn as soon as possible at 
liz.ashburn@phonecoop.coop