PLANS to divert a well-used footpath in Windermere prompted some concern from parish councillors, who were worried the new route would take in a steep gradient.

The Lake District National Park Authority asked the parish council for its comments regarding the proposal to divert the path at Low Birthwaite, Old College Lane, to the south west of Stable Cottage, rather than between two buildings.

Parish council chairman Adrian Faulkner said some serious engineering work would be needed in order to re-route the path down a steep 20- 30 feet drop.

The council also urged that any new path should be accessible for wheelchair users.