A6 between Shap and Kendal, junction with Breasthigh Road, byway 355003 showing traffic prohibtion sign
Breasthigh Road, Cumbria is a 3km byway open to all traffic and is an attractive ride. It links Borrowdale with Bretherdale and is a link in the TET (Trans Euro Trail). There are several other shorter byways close by so it looks possible to make a tour. This is Borrowdale near Shap on the A6 trunk road, formerly in Westmorland and distinct from Borrowdale near Derwent Water in former Cumberland.
I wanted to check out the actual situation on the ground as Breasthigh Road is noted as closed to motor vehicles for restoration works on the website of the national park authority. The project plan shows works to have started in May 2022 but no update is shown since tree planting in Autumn 2022. Meanwhile the definitive map for Cumbria shows Breasthigh Road, byway 355003 and its connections as open.
- The gate has a tattered copy of the Temporary Prohibition of Traffic Notice ID: MFN0656882. This expired in November 2022 but has been extended to 30th April 2023. The traffic sign prohibiting motor vehicles is still in place at the junction with the A6 and is correct.
The effect of the order will be to prohibit all vehicular traffic (excepting pedal cycles) from proceeding over any part of the unsealed section of Breast High Road byway between the A6 (NY 5529 0532) and Bretherdale (NY 5755 0489) (BOAT 355002/367004/355003/584026), to enable works to repair the road surface and to allow a bedding in period. - New signage is in place advising no passing places.
- Inspecting by eye from the junction with the A6, the route looks very interesting to ride but rather technical to attempt solo, both the river crossings and the hill climbs.
Conclusion. Works appear to be complete. The temporary prohibition of traffic notice has been extended. It is not legal to proceed until 1 May 2023. And the definitive map is not definitive in this case.
Ford and stones crossing of Borrow Beck