New Heath Head: "Just another step".
On a drizzly but warm day, Ian S and Frank returned to New Heath Head where the right-of-way (Sowerby Bridge 018) runs NW/SE across the access lane for New Heath Head. (see map).
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| 1. The blue 'pin' marks the worksite. |
Two weeks ago CROWS carried out improvement work - the installation of a higher step - on the stile leading to the SE section of the path. The original, narrow, lower step was left in place.
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| 2. End point of earlier work. |
The stile may look presentable but the old, very narrow lower step is unstable because the field side leg is completely rotten. The treadboard was only held in place because it had been inset and nailed to the lowest rail. The plan for today was to install replacement legs and fit a new, wider treadboard.
The detail:
Frank and Ian worked on opposite sides with Ian (by the 'luck of the draw') having the more problematic leg to deal with. However, by way of compensation, he had a firm clean surface to kneel on rather than one scattered with wet sheep-poo!
Alignment of the step was tricky because the very long lengths of fence rail had been installed parallel to the sloping ground. This was aesthetically pleasing but made negotiating the top rail awkward.
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| 3. Field side lower leg in place. Step legs are vertical but rails follow the sloping ground. |
With both new lower legs installed and cross-braced to the taller ones, the treadboard could be fitted to give . . .
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| 4. Up Lane view: showing cross-bracing and wider treadboard |
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| 5. View through stile: Approaches tidied and Hawthorn hedge trimmed |
Today's work on the access to this popular path was funded by Midgley Community Forum. Many thanks for your support.
Following this short(ish) worksite session Ian and Frank went up onto the moor path to survey future tasks - cutting-back, widening, installing steps and repairing revetments and then visited the nearby restored pinfold with it's magnificent wooden bench. Visit and enjoy!
