Blackshaw Head - Beyond Daisy Bank Clough
Ken, Mick, Catherine and Frank H made a carry of tools and materials to the stream-crossing site that had been investigated on Wednesday. While Mick and Catherine did a second carry (thank you, guys) Ken and Frank re-jigged Wednesday's plan, unearthed the original abutments for the crossing and started on the task of bedding-in the bearers for a short footbridge. Here's how the work progressed:
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| One stringer temporarily in situ |
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| Bearers at both ends and stringers spaced by temporarily placed cross-treads. |
By a stroke of good fortune, the levels both horizontally and laterally of the footbridge framework were correct on the first attempt and we could proceed with nailing stringers to bearers, and anchoring the framework.
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| More cross-treads in place and anchoring stobs being inserted |
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| End kickboard fitted. Step-off from footbridge is onto original abutment. |
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Meanwhile Catherine and Mick had been step- clearing in Daisy Bank Clough and liaising with a landowner about a future job.
Fortunately they returned in time to help improve the approaches, demonstrate the bridge's load carrying capacity and carry lots of items back to the vehicles. Many thanks, again!
This stream-crossing lies near a slightly complicated option of footpaths. The footbridge not only steers walkers in the correct direction but saves them from having to make a perilous leap from bank to bank. Collapsed bank edges indicate a less than 100% success rate!
Overall we were pleased with today's efforts. The weather in the morning was poor and we worked in slippery, wet conditions that made finding a foothold particularly awkward. However the outcome ticked all the boxes of being safe, secure, durable and aesthetically pleasing . . . although . . . 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'.
The lead-in to this footbridge is a rough moorland path that will receive some cosmetic attention next week.
Today's work was funded by Blackshaw Head Parish Council.
