Colden: Strines Bridge below Great House Farm
It was a showery but not particularly cold day for Andrew, Jan, Jerry and Frank H to work on the technically tricky task of fitting a gate and side-rails at the down-slope end of the stone bridge that spans Colden Water.
i) Detach the tangle of stock fencing and barbed wire from the ruined gate and rails.
ii) Dig out holes for the new gate's hinge-post and closure-post.
iii) Install and pack the two posts.
iv) Hang the new gate (pre-constructed in CROWS' depot at Mytholmroyd).
v) Fit wooden side-rail fencing to close the gap between the gate and the bridge.
vi) Add a closure spring, a closure loop and waymark discs.
Phew! Time to roll-up sleeves and be prepared to sweat!
Today's work was funded by the landowner. Many thanks.
The detail
1. The footpath (Heptonstall 032) runs roughly East to West to cross Colden Water at Strines Bridge where it meets the right-angled bend of another footpath (Blackshaw 013). The gate and side-rails at this point are dilapidated (see picture).
Multiple problems here! The fence structure to right of picture has collapsed. A metal 'hurdle' (centre picture) forms a temporary gate with 'hinges' fashioned from that traditional South Pennine stand-by . . . . bailer twine!
The post to left of picture has rotted through at ground level so post, 'hurdle' and side-rails are supported only by a decaying fence pole!
2. Dismantling and digging!
In the drizzle! Dismantling done. New hinge post approximately in position. Andrew about to start on enlarging a hole for the closure post. Jerry and Jan have untangled all the barbed wire, inserted a new fence pole, straightened the stock-fence and are now measuring up for a new set of side-rails. Mmm!! Time is racing past!
More of the same but with a better view of the delightful and sturdy pack-horse bridge that spans Colden Water.
3. Several hours later.
View of the bridge, the completed gate and the right-hand side-rails (the left-hand rails are similar).
A lot effort and energy was expended on this task and by the late afternoon as we were clearing the worksite, the rain was coming down steadily. However, wet as we were, the end result was pleasing not the least because Plan A worked . . . . and we didn't have to resort to Plan B or its alphabetical successors!
Useful reminders have been added to the gate, e.g. 'Please Shut the Gate' and ''Dogs on Lead, Please'. We hope all walkers on this right-of-way will treat the land and its livestock with respect.
More in a week or two . . . . it might even be another gate!
