Two storm destroyed bridges in one of the Lake District's most beautiful valleys are being replaced thanks to a major funding boost by an outdoor holiday organisation: HF Holidays.

Falling outside the remit of the recently received £3million flood recovery payment scheme, Ghyll Brow and Ghyll Bank in the Newlands Valley will now see building work start next month.

Lake District National Park area ranger, Cath Johnson, said countless walkers would be indebted to HF Holidays and others for throwing a lifeline to a popular route devastated by Storm Desmond.

“The cost of replacing these structures totals nearly £22,000. They had been repaired with government money following 2009's floods and didn't qualify for funding in our Routes to Resilience programme.

“Straddling Keskadale and Newlands becks, the bridges are part of a stunning, low-level, circular walk from Hawes End through Newlands Valley, providing astounding views of Derwent Fells and Causey Pike.

“Their absence means the route is impassable. Also, a local farmer has a two-mile diversion as he can't access his grazing sheep on the opposite side of Keskadale.

“We are delighted by the generosity of HF Holidays' £12,000 donation, and all those who have allowed us do this work.”

Cath explained that although the bridges had in-built flood resilience, they had not been able to withstand the extreme pressures of 2015's storms.

People can donate easily on www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/caringfor/donate

HF Holidays encourages people to explore, discover and fall in love with the great outdoors. For more than 50 years its Pathways Fund has helped protect and improve the countryside.

Sarah Davis, of HF Holidays, said: “We are proud to be a supporter of this project through guest donations to our Pathways Fund, and delighted that the repairs to the bridges at Ghyll Brow and Ghyll Bank in the Newlands Valley will commence shortly to benefit both our guests and future visitors to the area.”

For more information on HF Holidays, please visit www.hfholidays.co.uk or call 0345 470 7558.

— ends —

For media information, please contact Sarah Davis 020 8732 1243 sarahdavis@hfholidays.co.uk

Notes to Editor:

• Founded in 1913, HF Holidays is a co-operative society that has been organising outdoor holidays for over 100 years.
• HF Holidays has 18 country houses in the UK's National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as independent hotels for overseas holidays. 
• HF Holidays has a host of accolades under its belt including: Silver Travel Awards Best Activity Tour Operator 2017, Feefo Gold Service Award in 2017, Which? Recommended Provider 2017; voted Best Large Tour Operator by Guardian and Observer readers 2010-2014; and Best Large Short Break Operator 2011-2014.
• HF Holidays is committed to responsible tourism and is a member of ABTOT and ATOL protected. 
• HF Holidays is the only UK holiday provider to hold a Gluten-Free Accreditation from Coeliac UK with all 18 of its country houses officially holding this GF accreditation.
• Follow @hfholidays on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram