Today's "footpath" was reported to CROWS as "impassable'..... the first job, however, was to actually find the path!
Andrew and Kasher (armed with what we hoped were appropriate tools) were dropped off at Lydgate and went in search . . .
Although we found the start of this path (Tod 095), after only a short distance its direction was impossible to locate. After checking a number of maps and then trying to call on 'expert' advice (a.k.a. Mick and RJ) we decided that another approach was needed. Consequently, we walked to the bridge at Barewise and then contoured around the hill to try and intercept the path from higher up.
We think we have found the correct line of this extremely steep path and have cut back the vegetation to make the route clearer. We have put in two temporary markers but will come back in a couple of weeks to waymark the route more clearly.
We them walked down to Stoney Royd Lane (Tod 192) to cut back the overhanging branches and the tangles of roses that were obstructing this well-used track.
Both paths will need additional work in the next few weeks.
Today's work was funded by a donation from Tod Harriers', Flower Scar Fell Race. Many thanks.
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| Tod 095 in Lydgate. |
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| Stoney Royd Lane, Todmorden. |
Details:
1. Tod 095 starts directly opposite the Post Office in Lydgate. After running alongside some houses, a number of stone steps should be encountered before the path skirts the back of the houses. After 50 m or so the path turns left, goes straight up the hill, crosses a tarmaced track, continues up the hill to a fine gap stile, and then goes up again to a fence line (no stile) before climbing to the main track that traverses the hillside.
Today's task was to a) find the route and b) cut back to delineate the path. As the route is not too clear, we will return to install marker posts at both ends and a few yellow-topped posts on the hillside section.
Here are some pictures showing how the day went:
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| There might be a footpath here! |
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| Never in doubt! . . . . but who would have suspected stone steps? |
There is also a small wooden seat (a reward for making it half way?) from which there are fine views down to Lydgate.
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| A carved seat with views over Lydgate. |
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| The gap stile - we must be on a route . . . . . . it may even be the correct one! |
2. Tod 192 (Stoney Royd Lane) was recently resurfaced by Calderdale Highways. However, it was in need of cutting back and strimming. We have cut back the overgrowth and will return with strimmers at a later date.
Many thanks to visitors to the CROWS stand at Todmorden Country Fair for alerting us to the problems on this path.
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| Andrew - path hunting? |
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| Andrew and the cutting back on Stoney Royd Lane. |
