A return to the Riverside path for Jak, Lynda, Andy, Jerry and Angus. Two jobs to be done - firstly, add a couple of stone risers to the steps near Slithero Bridge; secondly, put in a flight of steps on the steep section on the link-path from the Riverside path up to the old railway line, then up to Quakers Lane. Both of these jobs were funded by Calderdale Highways. Apart from annual maintenance tasks, this now sees the end of the main work to the Riverside Path.
Location of today's work circled in blue.
Job 1, The original steps leading down from Slithero Bridge onto the Riverside path have two significant drops in height. This makes it difficult for those with limited mobility or when taking pushchairs along the path.
Two suitable pieces of stone were sourced from Blackstone Walling, - a big 'thank you' to Edward Crank for supplying these. After much effort they were loaded into Angus's vehicle and transported to the site, then with even more effort (and an expertly manoeuvred sack barrow) the stones were moved to their final location.
Stones loaded and ready for transport to site.
Being careful of fingers and toes, both stones were placed and secured. Job 1 finished.
Job 2. As we moved location, Jak and Lynda checked along the length of the path for any issues: e.g. cutting back vegetation and pulling out the annual pest that is Himalayan Balsam. At the second site, below one of several impressively built bridges, we set-about marking the locations for the steps needed to negotiate this slippery bank.
An impressive backdrop to today's second job.
Andy levelling out the first step at the top of the slope . . . not his best side!
The going was reasonable as the ground was fairly dry and relatively stone free although tree roots caused a few issues. As we progressed with the steps, Lynda set off to survey the path adjacent to the old railway line, in particular a section of poor drainage having persistent encroachment of Himalayan Balsam. If everyone walking the paths around Calderdale spent 5 minutes of each walk pulling out this weed, it would go a long way to eradicating it. Every little helps!
Top step secured as we make our way down the slope.
With the steps in place, we set about finding stones and material to backfill them. There was plenty to choose from, so things soon started to take shape. There was still a bit of a drop at the first step, but the discovery of a large square stone in the undergrowth made a perfect take-off/landing stone. We were passed and complimented by several walkers and their four-legged companions,. Hopefully they removed some Balsam along the way.
Steps in place, the backfilling begins.
Lynda, back from Balsam bashing, tries out the new steps.
