Jerry, Ginny and Rich went to work on several linked paths in the area:
The path running across the top of the wood (Heptonstall 49) had several precipitous edges and was very narrow in places with encroaching vegetation. The path was widened and cut back.
At the path junction at Western end, the stone steps were cleared and a handrail added at an awkward slope next to a barbed wire fence.
The final job was to make a start on the clearing of the steps at the top of Heptonstall 51. There's more work to do on this popular path.
Today's work was funded by Heptonstall Parish Council. Many thanks.
The details
Heptonstall 49
Cutting back bilberry and tree saplings made the path much wider. At a number of spots, where the drop off the edge was big, we widened the bed of the path. Fortunately, there was no sign of activity from the Wood Ant nests - perhaps hibernation is just stsrting.
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| A section of widened path |
Heptonstall 48
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| Clearing the steps and stone base of the path |
Covered in leaves and a thick layer of mulch had made these steps quite difficult to use.
Heptonstall 51
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| A fine set of steps leading down to Midge Hole - we only made a start |
We cleared off the first section that was covered in leaves and years of mulch. Most of the steps are in good order, but a further session is needed.
