It was another stunning, hot sunny day for Kasher, Andrew and Frank H to carry out further work on the steps just below Flailcroft Farm. These steps form part of the footpath (Todmorden 082) that leads down through Scaitcliffe Wood to the Burnley Road. Views across the valley are spectacular.
Today's task was tricky:
i) the lower flight of steps needed completing and blending into the short section where the path (briefly) levels out.
ii) The upper flight (partly constructed by an earlier work party) needs extending towards the two, what are now temporary, steps that prevent slippage of the slope.
It's going to be a day for astute judgement, careful alignment and highly energetic stints of digging, shovelling and hammering!
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 Lower Flight
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The upper end of this flight needs two more steps before the surface can be graded to where Andrew is standing.
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Is the top of this riser horizontal? Of course it is - the bubble cannot lie . . . and we are fussy about this sort of detail!
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A confusing perspective here. Andrew is bracing the riser while Kasher is nailing the pre-drilled stob to the riser. Fortunately the swinging hammer is nowhere near Andrew's knuckles!
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Just before the first water break (temperature already in the high 20 oCs . . . and we are working in the full sun). Top end of this section now complete.
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Down-slope perspective. These new steps lead to the stile, and the path then continues across the meadow and through Scaitcliffe Wood with far-reaching views towards Whirlaw Stones.
2 The Upper Flight
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These steps are the continuation of those put in last week. We've tweaked the alignment so height can be gained comfortably towards two temporary steps (just out of picture)
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Andrew and Frank, digging step profiles and shovelling spoil as the permanent steps (foreground) get ever nearer to the temporary steps (mid picture).
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Most of upper flight and a back view of the shovelling double act! Well-snapped, Kasher!
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View of this part of the upper flight. The top (temporary) riser will be removed during the next session and about seven more steps have to be constructed before the the path widens. At this point, longer risers will be installed to lead up to a set of stone steps near the building (just visible at top of picture).
Lots to do but the end is in sight . . . or is it nigh!
