Ryburn - steps off Ripponden Bank - Part 1.

Plenty of midges about today in the woods on Ripponden Bank where Charlie, Graham and Angus were to be found, replacing damaged and missing steps on the path leading from Elland Road up to Highfield Farm. This is first of several sessions to replace these steps and improve the overall structure of the path.

The total path being worked on is circled in blue.

The section of steps being worked on today is within the red box.

The path comprises a long flight of steps, nearly 60 in total, around half of which need to be replaced. The work was reported and will be funded by the Long Distance Walkers' Association who have included the path in their challenge walk this August. Many thanks for their generosity.

We must also thank the owners of Highfield Farm who allowed us to park in their yard - this avoided the risky multiple carries of  timber and materials across the busy Elland Road.

Graham clearing debris and removing broken steps near the top section of the path.

Our focus, today, was on the section below the final access into Highfield Farm. The very top section will be tackled on Wednesday as we will need specific items from the main depot in Mytholmroyd. Initially, we cut back the vegetation, then individually tackled small sections of damaged steps so we could work without hindering one another. 

The images don't really do justice to the steepness of the path and great care had to be taken to avoid debris and equipment rolling down the bank or into other work areas. 

Charlie extracting a stubborn stob from a broken step.

Graham making progress on the upper section.

Charlie and Graham checking levels.

The view down the steps, . . . a bit of clearing to do.

The completed upper section showing new and cleared steps.

Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of this work. The next installment will be on Wednesday.