ONE OF the country’s best-loved walking trails has been added to a project that is improving access to the countryside while paying lasting tribute to departed loved ones.

The Friends of the North Pennines, a charity whose members are passionate about looking after the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, runs the Donate-a-Gate scheme.

Their aim is to replace old stiles with new gates which, besides making life easier for walkers, also include plaques commemorating a special event or the life of someone special.

Gates have already been placed in some areas of the AONB, but now the scheme is being extended to a 70-mile stretch of the Pennine Way running through Cumbria, County Durham and Northumberland, between Tan Hill and Greenhead.

Chairman David Fruin said: “If you have ever grumbled about having to negotiate some of the more awkward stiles on this route, the Donate-a-Gate scheme is a great way to improve things.

“Not only will it improve countryside access, it can also provide a perfect memorial to someone who loved the outdoors or celebrate an event such as a birth, a wedding or a graduation.

“If you have a particular location in mind, either because it’s a favourite place or a specific stile that you really found awkward, then we will do our best to accommodate your requested location. If you’re happy for us to choose a location, then we can do that, too.”

A new gate, complete with plaque, costs around £400. Negotiations with landowners and installation will be arranged by the local county council’s rights of way officers.

For further details and an application form visit http://friendsofthenorthpennines.org.uk/donate-a-gate/