#139: Gowbarrow Fell with Fix the Fells

...in which we make a breezy autumnal ascent of Gowbarrow Fell to learn about the unending work of Fix the Fells.

In the company of FtF partnership manager Isabel Berry and deputy ranger Jonny Skinn, we take a long view of Lake District trails – back to the days of pack-horse routes and quarry ways – then fast-forward to the 1960s and '70s, when the golden age of rambling etched great scars into the landscape.

Advancing three decades, we arrive at the origins of Fix the Fells (it could have been 'Mend the Mountains') and the establishment of a unique partnership that now cares for 200 routes across the National Park, with a full-time team of 17 rangers and 150+ volunteers.

Proceeding up the fell – with some of the finest views in the Lakes – we learn about the science of erosion, and the multiple benefits of path restoration: for water quality, floral diversity, climate, insects and birds.

Arriving at one of Jonny's work sites, we consider the engineering behind path restoration and the psychological nudges that keep walkers trail-tight.

A sober reflection on the loopholes that mean Fix the Fells are ignored by statuary funding pre-empts a double set of quickfire questions where we chat great pubs, favourite books, autumn vs spring... and Beacon Fell.

• More about Fix the Fells here: fixthefells.co.uk

View of Ullswater from the Gowbarrow Fell terrace.

Our walk companions: Isabel and Jonny from Fix the Fells, with Mark.

Plenty of folk enjoying the fell paths...

Rustic waymarker, above Aira Force.

A grey autumn day, looking south down Ullswater.

Landscaped pitching, as made by the FtF team.

...and an example of an aggregate-engineered path: stone supplied from Threlkeld Quarry..

Isabel and Jonny can't help but do a bit of work as we walk: pressing turves down on the sides of the recently re-made path.

Isabel, Jonny and Mark atop Gowbarrow Fell.