HARDCASTLE CRAGS

Dick and Frank H constructed some steps on the 'Slurring Rock' linking path.

 'Plans do not always survive first contact with the enemy.! 
(Military adage)

The basic problem was simple. Construct steps to gain enough height to negotiate a rock platform.

Sloping path leading towards rock platform

Unexpected problems.

                                    i)  The approach path, along which materials had to be carried, was very slippery (the early morning rain had been torrential) and had a steep drop to the left-hand-side.

                                   ii)  Bedrock was just below the surface exactly where the stobs needed to be.

                                   iii)  The large quantity of infill material needed was down a slippery bank some distance from the job.

                                    iv)  Large flat tread-stones and pitchable side-stones were scarce.

However, with a bit of ingenuity involving trade secrets of step-building (some of which we invented on the day!) and a considerable amount of 'grunt', the steps are on the way to completion.

Steps in progress. The picture does not reflect the effort involved, but the rock is now almost invisible . . . and there is barely a stob in sight! One extra step at the bottom (or a hefty 'take-off' slab) and some landscaping at the sides will complete the job.

The Great Scrape:- Day 2

Further up the valley, Dave, Fred, Gerald, Graham, Rich, RJ and Stella continued the scraping from yesterday.

Today's section for a good scrape.

Ready for the off.

Lots of 'Mulch' to remove exposing a hard surfaced path.

Looks a lot better.

During the Lunch break with Biscuits provided by  Rich
(A good mix from the Royal tin) a  discussion took place
on the many species of Fern, Moss, Lichen and fungi that we spotted
alongside the paths we were working on.

Looking the other way.

The next section, for another day.

A good session, and the rain stopped early.