In the lush, muggy, midge-infested jungle on right-of-way Heptonstall 051 which drops down from near Draper Lane to go steeply through Hawden Hole Woods (See map), Jerry, Andy and Frank H tackled the tricky problem of reconstructing and re-spacing some collapsed steps.
Today's work was funded by individual donations to CROWS. Thank you for your support and thanks too to the local resident who again provided us with safe off-road parking.
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| 1. Map: Precipitous path below Turf Stone |
The detail.
The 'carry' from Draper Lane is further than the map suggests as the path drops steeply down a well-constructed flight of stone steps to connect with flights of wooden steps before the worksite - a precarious section of very rotten steps - is reached.
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| 2. Area needing attention: |
The above perspective is deceiving. The triple-riser step which is only loosely held by rotten stobs is far too high and the steps below are equally misaligned and fragile. The plan was to start lower down the flight and build upwards gradually gaining sufficient height so the triple riser step could be removed and made lower. Some side-revetment will be added to protect the banking and enhance structural stability.
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| 3.Work begins: Lowest step of this section in place. |
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| 4. Progress: Jerry and Andy installing the next two steps. |
As picture 4 shows, the section of path below today's work is also in poor condition. The tread areas are muddy and slippery. Many risers and stobs are broken or rotten. However, replacing these presents fewer technical problems.
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| 5. Near the end of the session. |
Four steps (and one short side piece) are in place. Angles, heights and spacings have been adjusted to give improved negotiation of this awkward corner and the rhs banking has been 'landscaped'. There is still some in-fill to complete (suitable, nearby material is in short supply) and an over-high stob needs trimming before we can concentrate on the next half-dozen steps . . . . Work party members are advised to bring 'expedition' quality insect repellent!
