Flood damage: C2C open for business despite the chaos of Storm Desmond

The section along the old rail track out of Keswick may be out of commission but Britain’s most popular leisure route is up and running. The alternative out of Keswick, along the A66, may not be as lovely but it is quick and gets you there. The route can be taken up again by heading into Threlkeld from the main road.

On a technical note, initial assessments identified a number of key issues from Keswick, at the A66 flyover, through to Threlkeld village. Following Storm Desmond two major bridge structures and approximately 200+ metres of track bed were washed away, two other railway bridges were damaged and over 180 metres of high-level boardwalk/cycle path were undermined. As a result sections of the path, including structures and bridges were closed off. These closures remain and we ask people to take notice of these cordons, and not to cross them.

Up-date

A structural survey of the route has been commissioned in the hope of identifying the options for repair. However it is important to note that this could take time to deliver. We appreciate how important this route is for recreation and local business and are investigating alternative routes. I would like to reassure you that all efforts are being made to restore and reopen the route as soon as possible. Perhaps the Army might offer a short-term solution?