Hebden Bridge:Stile on Burlees to Broadbottom Farm R-o-W

Below Burlees but above Broadbottom

Paul, Ian S and Frank H worked on a partial reconstruction of a decaying boundary stile on the right of way (Hebden Royd 017 - see map), the task being funded by Midgley Community Forum. Thank you for your support. 

1. The worksite: marked with blue tag

For once the weather was ideal. Temperature soared into double figures (Celsius, that is, not Fahrenheit . . . . . or even Kelvin!), winds were slight and we were even treated to dappled sunlight.

The detail.

Before:

2. Before: Upslope view

3. Before: downslope view of RH corner.

At first glance the stile might appear to be adequate. However, there are multiple problems:

i) both stile side-posts are completely rotten at ground level, not vertical and not embedded deeply enough.

ii) the cross-rails are not horizontal and show signs of decay where they are fixed to the shorter side post.

iii) both treadboards are rotten and there is insufficient tread area protruding on the downslope side.

iv) associated side-fencing is ramshackle.

Fortunately, both sets of step-legs are sound and firmly embedded.

The work begins . . . 

4. During: New short side-post in place and
right-hand cross-rails re-cycled and levelled.

5. During: More open than usual!

6. During: Both new side-posts in place
with top and bottom cross-rails installed.

7. The end result: New stile with
first customer . . . on the run.

We were pleased with the end result. The stile is stable, very secure and easy to negotiate. New treadboards have been fitted, the taller upright has a diagonal brace, and (later additions so not in the above picture) cross-braces were fitted between the step legs and waymark disks nailed in place.

It was day of good work on this delightful and popular footpath. Many thanks to Little Burlees Farm for allowing us to park in their yard. The shorter the distance to carry timber and tools, the better . . . . it's almost CROWS' motto!