RIPPONDEN - Riverside path

On a bright Spring day, Jak, Linda, Graham, Jerry and Angus, spent the morning and early afternoon scraping the accumulated mud from sections of the Riverside path. Much of this material had washed off the slope which formed the old railway embankment. In fact, there is evidence of stone channels running down and across the embankment, presumably to drain water from the the railway line. On the map below, the area worked on is between the two red arrows.

Many thanks to Calderdale Council Highways and Ripponden Parish Council who funded today's work on the Riverside path, 

The Riverside path showing its location in relation to the old railway line.

Mud and debris forms a muddy layer on the path forcing walkers to either side.

You can just make out one of the old drainage channels on the embankment.

The muddy layer was forcing walkers to go along the edge of the path; either on the higher ground by the base of the embankment or along the riverside which was next to a dangerous drop of several metres! Below the layer of mud was a relatively hard surface of large stones which we think formed the foundation of a permanent route along the riverside and there is still evidence of  large, cut paving slabs on parts of the path which may have formed the original top surface.

It's not glamorous but should make for an easier passage.

The same section now completed. The next few dry days will help.

We also revisited previous work where a revetment had been installed but was now starting to puddle due to run-off from the embankment above it. This was cleared of mud and a mixture of stone, gravel and coarse sand from a section of "beach" near Slitheroe Bridge, was packed into the footpath to give better drainage, hopefully forming a drier passage for walkers.

 Stone and gravel used to improve the drainage by the previously installed revetment.

The finished job. Ttransporting the material was no mean feat!

From the Riverside path you can access several sections of the old railway line, although this is very wet in places. The route towards Sowerby Bridge, however is still in reasonable condition and goes through some amazing cuttings and beneath several ornate bridges From the car park at the Slitheroe Bridge end, you can see what looks to be retaining stonework, a relic from a large bridge now long gone.

Stonework from an old railway bridge near Slitheroe Bridge.

CROWS still have bits and pieces to do, but for now, with Spring seemingly making its entrance let's hope more people make use of this lovely walk.