Walsden: Ragby Bridge
Job 1: the leaning gate of Ragby!
A slightly misty day that was cool but so calm that nearby wind turbines were generating zero electricity! Conditions were ideal, therefore, for Mick and Frank H to dig . . . vigorously!
On the footpath (Todmorden 133) that leads down from a bridleway into Ragby Plantation there is the distressed gate that was mentioned last week!
Start of the session:
Here's the gate. The hinge-post (and the gate) on the right are collapsing down the steep banking.
Although the post hole was well packed with stone, the depth of buried post was insufficient.
The 'latch'-post on the left is substantial but, again, insufficiently buried and is mainly supported by the fence rails.
Fortunately we had a plan!
How work progressed:The gate was removed from the hinge-post and the fence rails were detached from the 'latch'-post.
Both posts were dug out and the hinges re-positioned higher up the hinge-post.
The upper banking was dug back and the hinge-post re-installed (but more deeply) on the left of the path.
The rails were re-attached, any excess cut off and the gate was re-hung . . . just in time for lunch!
Later:
The 'latch'-post (just visible) has been deeply installed on the right.
The gate now closes against the 'latch'-post, rather than fitting between the posts as it did originally. This makes the access gap slightly narrower but enabled the 'latch'-post to be installed further away from the edge of the steep banking.
The 'latch'-post is also braced by a diagonal strut (not visible in picture) to help withstand any impact from the gate being closed. The gate can be secured in the closed position by a rope loop.
The sections of path before and after the gate have been widened.
There is still some minor work to do. The fence (barely visible) that goes down the banking to the right needs a new fence post (the one visible in the picture is rotten) and some short cross-rails to link it to the 'latch'-post.
Job 2: Bridleway blockage
The bridleway that we walked down to get to footpath Todmorden 133 was partly blocked by this fallen hawthorn tree. It's an easy passage for walkers but not for anyone on horseback!
The blockage was an unforeseen situation created by the recent gales. Time for some sawing . . .
. . . ideally we would have used a bow-saw but Frank's best panel saw (Mmm!) was well up to the task . . . as were Mick's muscles!
End result . . . clear, safe access for walkers and riders.
Overall, a very satisfying day - the setting was tranquil and the work was reasonably straightforward with no serious glitches or setbacks. Hooray!
