Middle of Nowhere! Again!
Right-of-way Todmorden 102 traverses the hillside and runs approximately parallel to and between Stones Lane and the Bacup Road (see map). It's a longish walk from either end to reach the worksite but fortunately we had the landowner's permission to access the stile by walking directly down from Stones Lane.
Today's task, funded by Todmorden Town Council, was for Stella and Frank to replace a gap-gate on this right-of-way (see map for location).
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| 1. Location: on pasture just above Stones Wood |
The Details.
The public footpath passes through a series of walled fields and, at the worksite, runs just above Stones Wood. At the access point there is a typical South Pennine pedestrian gate (constructed with an eye to economy) but now on its last legs . . . . or more accurately on its last hinges!
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| 2. Failing fast: Rotten gatepost, damaged or missing palings, and fragmenting rubber hinges made from old tyres. |
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| 3. Ingenious hinges! |
The plan for Stella and Frank was to install a complete replacement with gatepost, gate (constructed in CROWS' workshop) fitted with T-hinges, a closure spring and a security loop. Thanks to Kasher and David who helped with a tool and timber carry before moving on to their own jobs.
Fortunately, the early sharp rain cleared to give blue skies and calming views near and far.
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| 4. Distant views i: blue skies, scudding light clouds Stones Wood and temperatures above 20oC. |
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| 5. Distant views ii). More sheep than you could shake a stick (or in our case a posthole spade) at! |
A few hours later the replacement gate was complete We were so busy working that we forgot to take 'work in progress' pictures . . . but here's one of the end result (compare with picture 2!).
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| 6. New gate and fitments. |
Overall, we were very happy with the outcome. The gate is secure, stable, easy for pedestrians to use and aesthetically pleasing . . . not that the sheep seemed to notice!
More next week on other tasks along this route.
