Goose Nest: Stylish work.
Ray and Frank H replaced a stile on the footpath (Wadsworth 067) that leads off the bridleway at Goose Nest opposite Catherine House in the Luddenden Valley. It was an ideal work day - low cloud gradually clearing with the temperature low enough to encourage vigorous effort.
Here's the problem:
Tired, battered and ramshackled from overuse . . . and that's just Frank H! The stile too is old and in poor condition.
*The left-hand (gatepost) upright is sound but other uprights are misaligned and loose.
*The cross- rails, where they exist, are firmly nailed but have some rot.
*Steps seem to have existed but only scraps of timber remain. There is, however, an ancient but far too narrow gate (under Frank's left arm) that gives access between a post and the beautifully constructed dry-stone wall.
*New right-hand upright in place.
*2-step stile constructed.
*Four cross-rails added
*Dog-gap and lift rail fitted between new upright and wall.
Everything that should be vertical is vertical.!Everything that should be horizontal is horizontal! All embedded timbers are packed and whacked deeply into position. All-in-all a good outcome that ticked the 'secure', 'durable', 'functional' and 'aesthetically pleasing' boxes.
The dog gap is quite narrow but making it any wider would compromise the width of the stile and make it impossible for walkers to swing a leg over the top rail. Slimline dogs will pass through with ease but the more portly of canines may have to use the field gate (please shut after use!).
Today's work was funded by the landowner. Many thanks.
