TODMORDEN: WARLAND TO GADDINGS

 Warland to Gaddings: (aka 'swamp central')

The footpath (Todmorden 152) part of which goes from Warland Reservoir to Gaddings Dam, was originally well-constructed with large flat flagstones recycled from the floors of old mills. In places, however, parts of this path have shifted out of line or sunk completely into the peat bogs. The task for today's teams was to sort out some of these problems.

Team 1 comprising Kasher, Neil M and Jak concentrated on re-positioning flagstones before joining Team 2 (Jerry, Jan, Andy, Ian S and Frank H) in the construction of a boardwalk across a particularly horrendous bog into which the path had totally disappeared.

The surveying and preparatory work for these jobs was funded by the 'Todmorden Wind Farm Fund' (accessed through CFFC - the 'Community Foundation for Calderdale'). The construction of the boardwalk was funded by Calderdale Council Highways. Many thanks.

Here's the area where we were working:

Footpath Todmorden 152 goes from Warland Reservoir (bottom right) to Gaddings Dam (top centre)

The Detail:

The day started with a timber delivery to the depot from the ever reliable CALVAG who then loaded their wagon with all the items (stringers, cross-treads, handrail posts, cross-rails, stobs, edge trims and sundry timbers) essential for the construction of a boardwalk. All tools and fixings were carried in other vehicles sturdy enough to cope with the reservoir's vehicle track! 

At the northwest end of Warland Reservoir all items were unloaded and most timbers transferred to an ATV (skillfully driven by a local farmer) for onward transport to the worksite. Other timbers and all tools etc were carried in by CROWS volunteers. Mmm! Heroic!

Here's the progress:

1.The delivery:

Boardwalk stringers (6 m x 200 mm x 100 mm) being
fixed to ATV prior to dragging to worksite.

Fully loaded with bags of cross-treads etc.

Thanks, CALVAG. On time as usual and always helpful.

2i. The work: Resetting flags

Team 1 acted initially as sherpas to help Team 2 get all items to the main worksite before starting on their stint of path repair. Here's how their work went:

a) This is the state of parts of the path in wet conditions!

b) Working on misaligned flagstones.

c) Levering and levelling.

d) Time for a break. Call that a biscuit . .  .
. . .  we expected something larger!

e) Edge trimming . . .
. . . but don't slip, Kasher, that's deep water!

f) Path now neat and stable!

2ii.The work: Building a boardwalk.

Team 2 had the interesting task of constructing a boardwalk over part of the bog shown above in picture a). Fortunately, the recent (few) days of warm weather meant the bog had dried considerably from its state of winter wetness and there was just enough firm footing to manoeuvre the long and heavy stringers into position but . . . one slip and you were into a couple of metres of mud!

Here's the work sequence:

a) Stringers - already pre-prepared in the workshop - being aligned
for transfer onto sound flagstones at either end of the boggy section.

b) Noggins (they maintain stringer separation
and stability) being fixed in place.

c) More noggins in place, handrail posts being checked
and securing bolts tightened.

d) Flags being drilled to receive anchoring brackets.

e) Cross-treads being nailed in place.

f) Additional anchoring of the stringer. The pole
that Jerry is handling is partly hammered-in. It
will eventually be flush to the top of the stringer.
The pole was 2.4 m (8') long!

g) Side rails (for one side of the boardwalk only) being
aligned and screw-bolted in place.

h) Nearly there: End sections and additional bracing in place with a
back-drop of a magnificent panorama under a lowering sky.

i) Completed boardwalk over a lethal bog. End step-over
rails in place to deter livestock and perhaps remind
cyclists that it is a footpath and not a bridleway!

j) Final 'stress test'. Hopefully, Neil will be able
to straighten-up by tomorrow!

Today was a long session partly because we were working on precarious ground, partly because of unexpected technical difficulties with the drill but mainly because the extra hour or so saved our having to return tomorrow for a second session (when rain was more likely).

We were pleased with the outcome and the boardwalk is safe, sturdy, functional, aesthetically pleasing and (within the limits of South Pennine conditions!) should be durable. 

Many thanks to Mr Barker for his help and ATV driving skills to get a very heavy load of timber across the rough moorland, and to United Utilities for arranging access.

k) CROWS plaque now attached.