TODMORDEN: Flailcroft (session 3)

 Flailcroft: flights of steps (session 3)

On a day that became brighter and brighter Catherine, Mick and Frank H continued with the work on the lower section of the steps just below Flailcroft Farm. These steps form part of the footpath (Todmorden 082) that leads down to Scaitcliffe Wood and provides spectacular views across the valley.   

Today's task was straightforward - remove the old decaying risers; dig new step platforms; fit new risers; get their tops horizontal; hammer in the new anchoring stobs; drill and nail the stobs, and landscape the step area . . . it's a high energy day!

The work is being funded by a donation from the Todmorden Wind Farm Fund accessed through the 'Community Foundation for Calderdale'. Many thanks.

The detail

1. The Start

Here is Mick holding on tight (wise move) above a steep drop that has two old steps and two crumbling soil steps before the new riser (bottom foreground) from Wednesday's work is reached.

2. Work in progress

Frank is making a start on the excavations. A mattock is used to break up the surface then it's relentless spade work to remove the spoil. Mick is keeping an eagle eye on both the proceedings and the stunning view towards Whirlaw Stones.

Steps creeping ever upwards . . . and that spirit level bubble shows the riser is exactly horizontal (sorry no 'close-up' available!). Only one old step remains but there is still a lot of digging and shovelling needed before we get to it.

The last old step with its rotted stobs being prised out. Two bars and some 'grunt' usually does the trick! 

3 End of session

A neat flight of steps that guides the walker up an increasingly steep bank. Two more steps will be needed to blend this flight into a level section of the path. Then there is a some landscaping and tidying to do before it's more of the same on the upper sections of this route.

For today, however, it's time to relax and sink into that reviving bath  . . . and here it is . . .

. . . Mick! . . . Where have you gone? . . . Come back!

More next week once we have found the soap!