Those who like to put on their walking boots or jump on mountain bikes to explore the Lake District can enjoy a new official path.

The route has been formally established between Coniston Boating Club and the road from Coniston village to Hawkshead, having been used unofficially for years, the national park authority has noted.

Park ranger Tony Hill said the authority and local landowners have been keen to undertake the work needed to establish a legally-recognised bridleway, but noted progress on this was set back by the severe damage caused by the November 2009 floods.

However, the job has now been completed and Mr Hill commented: "This path now forms a really pleasant circular walk and cycle ride from Coniston village itself, which I'm sure will become very popular with locals and visitors come the spring and summer."

Walkers hoping to enjoy a newly-repaired path can also do so when climbing Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales, thanks to a recent project that the British Mountaineering Council contributed to.

The mountain is one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks - which thousands attempt to climb together each year - along with Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent.