SLACK AND PECKET WELL

Linda H and Neil D completed the job begun last week - the cutting back and clearing of overgrowth along a popular stretch the Calderdale Way at the bottom of Murking Lane below Slack Top.

The full width of a very fine length of well-worn causey stones was once again revealed along a path which has only relatively recently been fenced along one side with a long strand of barbed wire on top. As a result, the the path itself feel very narrow to walk along, and indeed it is only only possible to do so in single file.

While swinging the azad, I fell to musing on the importance to the cultural heritage and significance of these old paths that criss-cross the slopes of the Calder Valley. While as much a part of the historic landscape as any old mill building, row of stone-built cottages or ancient bridge, these old paths are nowadays almost taken for granted. As such, they have become a much undervalued part of our cultural heritage. 

A letter to send to English Heritage drafted itself in my head making the argument for the greater recognition they deserve. Might not this, along with others sent by similar like-minded souls, lead perhaps to more research and a full survey of all the existing causey paths?  From that might follow the proper protection they deserve. In time this could lead - as with any designated historic feature or structure - to a degree of funding for their ongoing maintenance and protection.  

For now, we are very grateful to Slack Fest for the funding to complete this work of revelation!

Pecket Well.

Meanwhile, Paul and Ginny were waymarking the routes to be used in the Pecket Well 'Walks from the Villages' leaflet (to be published soo).  The Calderdale Way is not always easy to follow so a new post was erected above All's Well Farm.

Behind the Old Co-op in Pecket Well there's another old causey path that we uncovered last summer, but the start of it is not easy.  We put in a post and, as it's a bridleway, we'll have to return to clear overhanging branches as well as attending to some drainage problems.

This work was funded by a grant from last year's 'Wadsworth Walking Market'. Many thanks. 

This year's market is on Sunday14th November 2022 - an event not to be missed! Please give your support.