RYBURN : Near Parrock Nook, Rishworth

On a hottish day, Jak and Eleanor set out to dismantle a broken down ladder stile next to Parrock Nook Farm. It had been reported as dangerous by a member of the public but before deciding to repair or replace it , we checked with the farmer because there was a broken metal gate nearby which seemed to be permanently open and had clearly been providing a viable alternative for many years !

Eleanor just checking the OS app to make sure where the footpath actually runs!

Getting there !  But what to do with the wood?

Luckily the car wasn't far from the site but there was a lot of it. 

The stile has gone and the wood removed but a couple of deep-seated stumps remain. These will be removed on Monday and when we return, there is a small gate in the wall next to the oak tree in the middle of the picture which needs a bit of attention and waymarking. This will then form a useful path up to Height at the top and join a path round the hillside to Ryburn Reservoir. 

If circumstances change in the future we will obviously need to re-consider replacing the stile. 

This work was funded by a generous grant from Ripponden Parish Council

TODMORDEN - Cross Stone

 Another cut back session on the a Bridleway. Thanks to Todmorden Town Council for funding this work.

Before

 

After a good haircut!

 

Ryburn - steps off Ripponden Bank - Part 3.

 We planned for this to be the final day on this project, but it would be a big task for Jak, Jerry and Angus, as this long section of  path would need clearing of debris and the installation of 14 steps!

The day started with a long trek carrying kit and materials; a journey, fortunately, made easier thanks to the owners of Highfield Farm who allowed us to park in their yard.

The blue outline is the overall section of steps. The red outline is the part worked on today.

The work to be done. Several rotten steps need replacing.

Jerry getting to grips with the removal of the old steps.

Around mid-morning, we had a visit from two members of the Long Distance Walkers' Association; the organisation that has funded this work (Many thanks). They were very pleased with what has been achieved and felt that it would make a big difference to the ascent of the bank which forms part of their 24 mile (~38 km) walk in early August.

A visit from two happy members of the Long Distance Walkers' Association.

Keeping things level and secure.

While Jerry and Angus battled with the steps, Jak started the task of clearing debris from the lower section of the path down to its start at Elland Road. This section was less steep but the gaps between the steps was greater and had collected more vegetation, twigs and branches etc. When she had finished the path looked like it had just been built. Top job!

The path joining Elland Road. If you access from here take care - the road is very busy.

Top job done by Jak (that's her in the distance) on clearing the steps.

Lower section showing the cleared drain at the side of the path.

The end of a long but satisfying day.

So we did it and managed to finish the job in three sessions. Not bad when 127 steps were inspected and cleaned; 35 were replaced and two lengths of revetment installed. Although we were in partial shade, it was still hot, humid and sticky work. Many thanks to Jak, Charlie, Jerry, Andy, Graham and Angus for their efforts in getting this work done.

HEBDEN BRIDGE - Granny Wood at Mytholm

Steamy times in Granny Wood!

On a hot and humid day, Rich and the two Franks went to complete the cutting back and the securing of edges along the top section of the Granny Wood path (upper red circle on map) and to sort out an awkward junction at the bottom section (lower red circle). 

Today's work was funded by donations to CROWS through Just Giving. Many thanks.

1. Map: Location of worksites

The Detail.

Three more lengths of revetment were needed to secure the edge of the path. 

2. Start of session: Frank and Frank positioning revetment board.

3. New meets old: Old steps, new revetment.

 

4. End result: Dappled sunlight on lengths of
new revetment. Tight joints? - never in doubt.

As well as widening, the path also needed bramble management and overhead lopping..

5. Steamy 'jungle': but now there's more light overhead!

Then it was down to the bottom section of the path. 

The first jobs were to clear overhanging branches, lop any encroaching brambles and scrape debris off a set of stone steps.

6. Job about to start: those overhead branches will go!

The main task, however, was to start the improvements to an unwaymarked and very eroded junction. 

7. Up the junction?

Perspective in the above picture is tricky. The main path goes due north along the edge of Granny Wood. A path (just visible) branches off to the right (close to the tree) going over a jumble of roots and displaced stone slabs. The retaining wall (bottom right corner) has collapsed.

After clearing loose debris, we installed a waymark post and started to protect the corner against further erosion by rebuilding part of the low retaining wall.

8. Post and wall:

 The waymark post is in place . . . and, despite appearances, it is vertical! Wall construction has started and the erosion prone banking is now stable. 

Our next session, in a week or so, will see steps built (on extreme left of picture) with a side revetment before the 'wall' is completed.

ABOVE MYTHOLMROYD - Raw Lane to Burlees Lane

 Angus, Charlie, Jerry and  Rich went back to this popular path to repair several steps that had collapsed and do some path widening and ditching. This work was funded by Calderdale Long Distance Walkers. Many thanks. 

 

 To give an idea of the state of the existing steps....

 

Several rotten (even if they looked ok) and several missing.. 

     

 Work in progress

After some time .............

 All good and well tested by several walkers and their dogs!!