Greg’s Hut Bothy Reopens Following Heritage Re-Roof

THE REMOTE, former lead miner’s cottage, Greg’s Hut – sited at one of the highest and most remote parts of the Pennines – has reopened following a re-roof.

The cottage, which is now operated as a bothy by the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA), needed to be refurbished and a public appeal to help meet the cost was launched earlier this year.

Bothy Re-Roof

The bothy on the flanks of Cross Fell, which is used as shelter by mountain rescue teams and walkers on the nearby Pennine Way, had been deteriorating over several years. The roof in particular, exposed to high winds and severe weather, was in urgent need of a major overhaul. However, as the bothy is located in a conservation area, getting the roofing materials to site required a helicopter to transport the Cumbrian slate needed to replace the roof. The estimated £100k cost was part met by the MBA and the rest was raised through a public appeal.

Greg’s Hut Reopens

Greg’s Hut phase one of restoration is now complete and the bothy is open for use. The roof and gutters have been replaced, new windows installed and the porch has been rebuilt with new foundations. Improvements have also been made to the interior. The final phase of the work to the external and internal walls, which need lime mortar pointing will be completed in the spring when temperatures allow.

The Mountain Bothies Association said: “We would like to thank all of our volunteers who have assisted with the work, together with the contractors, Hymers Construction Ltd of Garrigill.

“Their efforts have transformed the Hut from a cold, wet and sometimes ice cave into a weathertight and comfortable mountain refuge for those who wish to shelter. We would also like to thank those who provided grant funding and those who responded to our Re-roofing Appeal.”

Greg’s Hut was used in the 19th Century to house miners from a nearby lead mine, and was repurposed and renovated in 1968 as an open bothy in memory of local climber John Gregory who died in a mountaineering accident. The bothy is maintained jointly by the MBA and the Greg’s Hut Association.

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