TODMORDEN: Flailcroft (session 6)

 Flailcroft: Last flight to Flailcroft!

Yet another hot, sunny day for Kasher, Jerry and Frank H to continue with 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. There are views immediately across the valley taking in the local features of Orchan Rocks, Bridestones and Whirlaw. Unusually for Upper Calder landscapes the horizon from West to East is devoid of wind farms.

Today's tasks were a copy of those of last Friday!

i)   Remove an old step. 

ii)  Cut, level and flatten the new tread area.

iii) Insert a new riser so it is has a vertical face and a horizontal top.

iv)  Anchor it with stobs and pin with nails. 

v)   Landscape and tidy.

THEN REPEAT!

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. Start of session:

1. Kasher clearing out an old step.

2. Frank on more of the same
with Jerry on quality control

3.  New riser in place. Heavy stamping
 by Jerry consolidates the tread area.

2. Later

Three steps went in easily but above these the path widened, necessitating an increase in step width. The work then became more demanding due to the effects of much harder ground and the need to add a third stob (neatly concealed behind the riser) to each step. There was time, however, to sit down, admire and have a late lunch . . . .

4.  Four steps fully in place with a fifth one
approximately in position. 

3. Near the end of session.

5. More digging, levelling,
landscaping and tidying

6. End point for the day.

We were pleased with today's efforts. The whole of this upper flight is taking shape. There are still four old steps of varying height and spacing to remove and 5 new steps to construct. The latter will have the same heights and a spacing designed to blend them into the existing stone steps that lead towards the farm buildings.

Lots to keep Friday's team on their toes . . . or is it knees!