Hebden Bridge: Wicken Hill again!

 Wicken Hill - steps to the Golf Course boundary or the moor

On a warm blue-skied, idyllic Spring day Ian S, Jan and Frank H continued construction work on the junction of steps that lead from behind Wicken Hill Farm towards the Golf Course or up onto the moor.

Many thanks to the residents at Wicken Hill who allowed us to park as near to the job as possible - the shorter the distance we have to carry tools and timber to a task the better! 

1. Approximate worksite position: the blue tag marks the spot!

The Detail:

Two weeks ago CROWS created a Y-junction, each branch having three new steps. Today's task was to replace  the two rotten approach steps to this junction (only one visible in picture 2) then extend the upward flights of both branches. The rising ground varies in gradient and has very stubborn compacted shale bands. Mmm! Time to flex a few muscles.

2. Before work began: Y-junction but
with rotten, half-buried approach steps.

Jan and Ian tackled the two approach steps and additional steps for the right-hand branch while Frank did a solo turn on the left-hand section. The sun shone, the air was still, the temperature rose and sweat flowed!

3. Right-hand branch. First step of the
day before the path starts to curve

4. Left-hand branch: Two of today's steps in
place. Frank working on next two risers.

5. Left and Right:  ever upwards!

6. Right-hand branch: end of session.

7. Left-hand branch: end of session.

8. Left and right: overview.

 Much use of the heaviest bar was needed to drive pilot holes for the anchoring stobs and then to hammer home the stobs themselves. Waste material from levelling the step platform was shovelled and shovelled to create side-banking. Depending on one's point of view, it was either a tiring day or a useful upper-body workout . . . or perhaps both!

Meadow pipits and dunnocks made themselves heard (but not seen), a buzzard circled hopefully outlined against the blue sky and, most gratifyingly of all, mugs of tea appeared courtesy of Wicken Hill Farm. Many thanks.

9. The most anxious moment of the day:  Will
Frank get the empty mugs (and tray) safely back
to Wicken Hill Farm? .  .  . Never in doubt!

Today's work was funded by a donation from Midgley Community Forum. Many thanks for your support of local projdects.