Four footpaths have been upgraded to bridleways and four new footpaths created in the Lake District, thanks to partnership working between the National Trust and the Lake District National Park Authority.

The routes, on National Trust land, are mainly in the south of the National Park – with the exception of one near Buttermere – and give greater choice of routes to walkers, equestrians and cyclists.

Many of the routes will take people and animals away from narrow roads used by vehicles as well as offering spectacular views of the Lake District fells.

Rights of Way Assistant at the LDNPA, Claire Redhouse, said: "These routes will be a great benefit to our current extensive network of access routes. All this has come about from partners working closely together and successful consultation."

John Atkinson from the National Trust added: "This is part of a planned project for ongoing improvements to paths on our land and will continue to really improve people’s enjoyment and safety when walking here."

A map detailing all the new routes will soon be available at www.lake-district.gov.uk.