A NINE-YEAR study into one of the best used paths in the Lake District has revealed more than 9,000 walkers and bikers used the trail in one 29-day survey.

Since 1995, the Keswick to Threlkeld path, which follows a former rail route, has been under scrutiny thanks to a user survey on the long disbanded line.

The path forms part of the Sea to Sea - C2C - long distance recreational cycle route from Whitehaven to Sunderland.

The aim of the survey, run by the Lake District National Park Authority, was to find out how many people used the Keswick to Threlkeld section, both before and after C2C was launched, and to establish the profile and views of users.

Results show a steady increase in the number of walkers, from 4,584 in 1995 to 6,495 in 2003, while there has been a dramatic rise in cyclists - from 1,314 in 1995 to 2,929 in 2003. Seventy-three people with disabilities used the track in 2003, compared with 75 in 1995.

Most cyclists - 79 per cent - were on the path because it is part of a local cycle route. Around 20 per cent of all users lived in the Lake District and 60 per cent were on holiday. Nearly a third lived in Cumbria.

Only three per cent travelled to the track by public transport, but 14 per cent had come by bike. Main user groups were families and friends. Only 13 per cent were under 30 years old.

LDNPA Keswick area ranger Val Edmondson said the information gathered would help in future management of the track, through improved signposting, targeted litter picks and better access.

"The findings suggest we could promote the route more widely to young people and people with disabilities," she said.