Mend Our Mountains Get Stuck In! Lake District (13th-15th April 2026)

Many BMC members will enjoy using the Lake District for hill walking and climbing. In association with Fix the Fells, the BMC are arranging conservation projects in the Cumbrian mountains.

Works may involve path maintenance and building, drainage projects, stepping stones, vegetation clearance or cairn-scattering, led by the local Fix the Fells Rangers. There will be 4 projects in the Lakes in 2026. The first project is being held on Monday 13th to Wednesday 15th April.

Volunteers must attend both work days (Monday and Tuesday). Accommodation will be provided at the Fell and Rock Climbing Hut at Raw Head in Great Langdale for the nights of 12th, 13th, and 14th April so that volunteers can enjoy a free day to enjoy the Lakes on a social hike, scrambling or climbing, on Wednesday 15th.

Why it’s worthwhile

Our uplands are under pressure as never before with increased footfall and rainfall, combining to produce increased erosion.

This causes unsightly scars on the landscape and damages precious upland habitats. Path maintenance is therefore very important to produce a resilient, sustainable surface.

What will the work involve?

Spending around 6 to 8 hours a day, working as part of a small team, supervised and directed by Fix the Fells Rangers, in various conservation projects in Buttermere.

Precise project will be decided by the National Trust Rangers depending on number of volunteers and weather conditions at the time, but might include path maintenance, drainage projects, stepping stones, vegetation clearance or cairn-scattering.

What will you need to bring?

Steel toe capped boots required: these can be borrowed.

Waterproofs, warm layers and hat, along with sufficient food and drink, suitably equipped for a full day out in the mountains. Just in case it is sunny bring sunhat and sunscreen! You will also need a pair of heavy duty (gardening style) gloves. All other tools will be supplied by the National Trust.

For those using the accommodation you will also need sleeping bag and pillow case, towel, spare clothing, hut shoes and food.

Please bring your own food for all breakfasts and lunches – and for Tuesday evening. The kitchen is well equipped with fridges, freezer, microwave, kettles, hobs and oven. If you want wine or beer for Wednesday night’s communal meal please bring your own!

THE WORK IS TOUGH ON CLOTHING SO DON’T BRING YOUR NEWEST MOUNTAIN GEAR!

Where is the accommodation?

The Fell and Rock Climbing Hut at Raw Head in Great Langdale. Grid Ref: NY 304067

Address: Raw Head, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JS.

See https://maps.app.goo.gl/c28SxrVX9MXny1aR8

The B5343 runs up Great Langdale from Skelwith Bridge. Follow this to Chapel Stile from where it is just over 3km to Raw Head. As you near the hut look out for a wooden wall above the dry stone wall on your right. Raw Head is the next property on the right immediately opposite the The Robertson Lamb hut which belongs to the Wayfarers. There is parking to the front and back of the Barn.

Who can take part?

Adults only (older than 18). No dogs, sorry! Interested?

Registration will be by Eventbrite. At registration we will ask for a non-returnable £10 donation to Mend our Mountains (£5 for students and unemployed). This is an attempt to reduce number of people booking on to the events, but then cancelling at late notice. As well as free accommodation, we hope also to provide a communal meal on one night.

Places will be allocated on first come first served basis and priority given to those able to come for both days of the project.

Info: Arrive Raw Head Barn –after 1700 hrs
Sort out own dinner
Briefing when everyone arrived

Info: Meet Rangers at Old Dungeon Ghyll (ODG) 0845hr
Day of path work (take own lunch)
Team meal at Raw Head Barn

Info: Meet Rangers at ODG 0845hr
Day of path work (take own lunch)
Team meal at local pub most probably Old Dungeon Ghyll

Info: Social walk, scramble, climb for those who are available to stay
Aim to finish by early afternoon

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