Walshaw - in preparation for the Heptonstall Fell Race

 A team of four ventured to Walshaw area today to work on Wadsworth 039 (see map)
in preparation for the forthcoming Heptonstall Fell Race (a 24.8 km/15.4 mile category B event on Sun 22nd March).

Angus and Steve worked on a boardwalk which has seen better days. This was fettled up last year and we have again tried to improve it by replacing some rotten and damaged cross-treads and adding more staples. This should make the boardwalk safer for the next few months but we will try to replace (and extend) this boardwalk in the summer when the area will (we hope!) be drier.

Kasher and Peter cut back the soft rush on this path, especially in the boggy places, and thus widened the path to make it easier to find a dry route across this moor. The yellow-topped posts were also reinstated so the route is now more obvious . . . although exceedingly wet!

Today's work will be funded by a donation from the Fell Race proceeds. Many thanks.

Today's work was on Wadsworth 039 (see blue tag).

Angus and Steve clearing the boardwalk.

Steve removing the rotten cross-treads from the boardwalk.

Rotten cross-treads replaced.

The route cut back.

The route is now well marked and cut back.

Cutting back through the rank
grass and soft rush . . .

. . . it's always good to come across a well-camouflaged local resident.

One of our ground nesting birds posters which 
did not get removed at the end of the last breeding
season.

Peter on right-of-way Wadsworth 039 that leads up to Turn Hill.

Hebden Bridge:Stile on Burlees to Broadbottom Farm R-o-W

Below Burlees but above Broadbottom

Paul, Ian S and Frank H worked on a partial reconstruction of a decaying boundary stile on the right of way (Hebden Royd 017 - see map), the task being funded by Midgley Community Forum. Thank you for your support. 

1. The worksite: marked with blue tag

For once the weather was ideal. The temperature soared into double figures (Celsius, that is, not Fahrenheit . . . . . or even Kelvin!), winds were slight and we were even treated to dappled sunlight.

The detail.

Before:

2. Before: Upslope view

3. Before: downslope view of RH corner.

At first glance the stile might appear to be adequate. However, there are multiple problems:

i) both stile side-posts are completely rotten at ground level, not vertical and not embedded deeply enough.

ii) the cross-rails are not horizontal and show signs of decay where they are fixed to the shorter side post.

iii) both treadboards are rotten and there is insufficient tread area protruding on the downslope side.

iv) associated side-fencing is ramshackle.

Fortunately, both sets of step-legs are sound and firmly embedded.

The work begins . . . 

4. During: New short side-post in place and
right-hand cross-rails re-cycled and levelled.

5. During: More open than usual!

6. During: Both new side-posts in place
with top and bottom cross-rails installed.

7. The end result: New stile with
first customer . . . on the run.

We were pleased with the end result. The stile is stable, very secure and easy to negotiate. New treadboards have been fitted, the taller upright has a diagonal brace, and (later additions so not in the above picture) cross-braces were fitted between the step legs, and waymark disks nailed in place.

It was day of good work on this delightful and popular footpath. Many thanks to Little Burlees Farm for allowing us to park in their yard. The shorter the distance to carry timber and tools, the better . . . . it's almost CROWS' motto!

HEPTONSTALL - 4 sites

Guy and Rich had planned to visit 3 sites - a waymark post on the ground at Drapers Corner, cutting back at Pike Stone Bank and a low post out of the ground on the Calderdale Way below Slack. These three jobs were funded by Heptonstall Parish Council. 

With a bit of time to spare, we also went and dealt with encroaching gorse and brambles on the Pennine Way off Edge Lane. Too many sites for a map!

Drapers Corner

The waymark post had been out of the ground for some time, but we managed to reinstate it in a slightly better position.  

 

Nearby we discovered a wonderful cast iron bench which, although in reasonable condition, needs a bit of TLC. It was obviously put in decades ago to give a fantastic view of the Crimsworth Valley. However, best to pay a visit now before the silver birch tree (right in the line of sight) bursts into leaf!

 

 Pike Stone Bank

Encroaching brambles on this popular path (Calderdale Way and Pennine Way Loop) were already becoming a nuisance and making the path very narrow. A severe 'haircut' was needed. 

 Calderdale Way below Slack

The third job farther along the path was to rescue a low waymark post which was lying on the ground. It's now re-seated and good for a few more years (no picture taken). 

Having some time to spare, we went to the Pennine Way off Edge Lane to cut back some brambles but mainly to deal with the encroaching gorse that was making the path very narrow . . . and a scratchy experience for walkers! 

Work in progress

 

All cut back

 

RYBURN - Path 62 and a bridleway between Stony Lane and Kebroyd

Two main jobs today for a team comprising Stella, Jerry, Graham and Jak.

The first was a stile on Footpath 62 which runs from Ripponden Old Bank across to Longley Lane. We've done a fair bit on this path recently trying to sort out the drainage issues. The stile is an awkward one and we aimed to assist people over and through a squeeze stile while at the same time protecting stock.

Map showing location of stile on Ripponden 62 path

The stile prior to work

Stile prior to work

We improved access to the stile so that's it's not so far to step up to it. It is a tight gap and is still awkward however.

Not so far to step up or down

Easier to step up and down now

The second job was a bridleway which runs from Stony Lane down to Kebroyd crossing the Calderdale Way. This is an lovely old walled path.

Map of bridleway

We cut back overhanging vegetation and brambles to make this a more pleasant route for horse riders and walkers. We will return to install waymarks.

Jerry with Graham and Stella behind

Working on the lower end of the path

Leading down to Kebroyd

From Stony Lane

Just in the nick of time so we avoided the worst of the rain.

Today's work has been funded by Ripponden Parish Council and from donations to CROWS for which we are very grateful.

PENNINE WAY - survey

Every two years Natural England surveys the Pennine Way. Our job is to inspect the problems they have identified in Calderdale to see how CROWS can help sort them. 

Rich, Andy, Kash, Neil, Ian S and Steve walked out four sections with clipboards, tape measures, pointed instruments and cameras. On the three days we did this, there was hardly any rain and not too much wind - a miracle! 

1. Blackstone Edge to Callis (Todmorden and Erringden paths). Several bad drainage problems, some waymarking issues. 

2. Callis to Colden (Blackshaw and Heptonstall paths). Fettling need on a number of steps, gates, stiles and brambles!

3. Colden to Widdop Road (Heptonstall paths). Several drainage problems, waymarking, and some cutting back needed 

4. Widdop Road to Withins Height (Wadsworth paths).  Mostly in good condition, but some issues that contractors need to deal with. 

A classic Pennine Way drainage issue!

So what is the problem here?

 The resulting schedule will be submitted to Calderdale Highways and Natural England. Fingers crossed the funding will be available to deal with at least some of the problems. 

After thought 

The Montane Spine race went up the Pennine Way in the wet in January. Some of the issues we identified indicated the damage that these large winter events can cause. We are lucky that most of our local running and walking event organisers work with us (and donate) to limit damage on the routes they use. We wonder whether the big national events organisers contribute in the same way? Just asking.