TODMORDEN: Warland-Gaddings footbridge 2025

 Warland-Gaddings: Across the boggy moor

On a day forecast to deliver showers, light rain, heavy rain and thunder, a team comprising Andy, Angus, Frank H, Guy, Ian S, Jak, Jerry and Kasher embarked on building a boardwalk to bridge another sinking section of the popular Warland to Gaddings path (see map).

1. Map: the blue 'tag' is the approximate location

The detail:

There is much preparatory work for this type of task: e.g. initial surveys, liaising with landowners, obtaining access keys, ordering materials, cutting timbers, shaping and pre-drilling where possible, and organising tools, fixings and transport. 

It's just under 5 km along gated reservoir tracks to reach the A58 then another 10 km back to the CROWS depot in Mytholmroyd - a time consuming round trip if essential items are forgotten!

Happily, today, efficient planning and co-ordination meant everything went smoothly. Phew!

Here's a picture sequence of the task.

1. In the workshop: Over 100 timber items to
cut and several hundred holes to drill! (good
technique, Ken; correct stance, eye on task,
ears protected and stable workpiece).

2. CALVAG: Reliable as always in getting timbers to the
end of Warland Reservoir before a scenic return journey . . . 

. . . 3. alongside reservoirs at their lowest!

4. The transfer: All timbers (the stringers are 6.0 m long)
go onto the ATV (many thanks) to be dragged across
the moor to the worksite.

5. Sinking path: irretrievably disappearing into the mire!

6. Drainage: semi-temporary channels lower the 
water level. Mmm. It soon comes back!

7. Work begins: getting the pre-drilled stringers in the correct sequence.

8. Handrail posts: double-bolted to the stringers.

9. Assembly in the mist: The three stringers, cross-braced with
noggins, will have a handrail on one side.

10. Noggins: These 'tie' the stringers together 
to give a strong rigid structure.

11. Cross-tread time! 36 needed with 25 mm spacing.

12. Cross-treads from the other end.
Mmm! What happens in the middle?

13. Crows in a row: Lunchtime . . . with . . . 

. . . 14. Clearing skies i): Stoodley Pike comes into view and . . .

. . . 15 Clearing skies ii): for the keen-eyed 
a distant wind turbine array.

16. Anchors: Six 'stobs' (of varying sizes) on either
side. These help fix the boardwalk in place.
The one being hammered in is 2.4 m long!

17. Final tasks: Edge trims fitted, handrails screwed to
posts, diagonal brace fixed to exposed side-post, step-over
rail in place, cross-treads stapled to improve underfoot
grip and Angus phoning - for a pizza?

18. Team photo . . .  and stress-test for bridge and rails!

We were very happy with the outcome. The job went smoothly. No-one (and no tools!) disappeared into the 2.0+ m of bog, and the footbridge is sturdy, safe and aesthetically pleasing. The weather was no more than drizzly . . . until we set off (loaded with equipment) back to the vehicles when we got a thorough rinsing in a sharp, heavy shower. However, this petered out on the way back to give us a chance to . . .

19. . . . see how low the reservoir was and . . .

20  . . . spot a small amphibian (common frog)
clinging to the reservoir wall.

Today's work was funded by Calderdale Highways who, despite budget constraints, endeavour to maintain Calderdale's extensive rights-of-way network.