A BOGGY section of the coast to coast route has been relaid in one of the biggest path enhancement projects of the year for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

The authority's access rangers have been flagging a section of the footpath in upper Swaledale using reclaimed traditional stone flags from West Yorkshire and Lancashire.

The flags were moved to site, close to Ravenseat Farm, using low ground pressure tracked dumpers and excavators.

A team of five people – made up of rangers and volunteers – started laying 175 metres of the new pathway at the start of June.

The flagging contributes towards a National Park Management Plan objective to maintain recognised long distance walking routes.

As part of the plan, the National Park Authority is campaigning for the coast-to-coast path to become a National Trail.

Director of Park Services Kathryn Beardmore said: “The coast to coast path brings many thousands of people into the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

"Quite a number of accommodation providers rely on its enduring popularity. We’re pleased to be able to help keep the path well maintained." She added that flagging is only reserved for the boggiest stretches.