MYTHOLMROYD - around Broadbottom Farm

 Frank H, Jerry, Ray, Rich and Billie worked on three jobs on the footpaths, Hebden Royd 017 and 019.

1. A boardwalk was put over a difficult stream crossing above the farm
2. A waymark post was put in at a junction of paths
3. New stile tread-boards and legs was installed

This work was funded through a legacy from Bruce John McGreevy who was a lifelong member of the Ramblers. Thanks to the landowner for permissions, guidance and parking.

The details

1. The boardwalk

It was an ideal workday (sunny, windless conditions) and location (next to a thriving, picturesque Bluebell wood) for Jerry and Frank H to construct a boardwalk over a tributary that runs into Hill House Clough. 

Fortunately, Ray, Billie and Rich were available to carry the considerable amount of materials (bearers, stringers, cross-treads, anchoring stobs, edge pieces and grab posts) and the three equipment bags to the work site. Thank you!

Here's how the day went:

i)

Single stringer approximately in place across the shallow stream to test out levels and alignment. Lots of digging, packing, checking and re-checking!

ii)

Bearers (hidden) in place; stringers aligned and level; end cross-treads permanently fixed and a central temporary cross-tread nailed to stabilise the stringers.

iii)

Stringers nailed to bearers (not visible); anchoring stobs (not visible) fitted inside the boardwalk structure; all cross-treads nailed in place; edge-pieces attached and a couple of safety grab-posts in place.

iv)

Finishing touches:

Staples being hammered-in to improve underfoot grip (the boardwalk is under trees and in a damp location!). The approaches to the boardwalk were then improved by grading, banking and, with considerable expenditure of energy, levelling a large, awkward, sloping stone to make it into a secure step. Phew! Lots of sweat!

v)

End result. 

We were pleased with the outcome. The boardwalk ticks all,the boxes of being safe, secure, durable, functional and aesthetically pleasing. The stream crossing which was slippery at the best of times and quite perilous after heavy rain is now a straightforward, level walk.

2. The stile

 Ray, Billie and Rich dealt with a stile, which no longer had steps to go over. 

At the end of the session we had built a solid two step stile, much appreciated by a passing walker.

A low waymark post was also put in at the junction of paths.