YDNPA Volunteers/Ragged Robins task at Carleton in Coverdale - 12 September 2013

An interesting and unique challenge awaited the workparty when we arrived at a frequently used footpath in this isolated dale in the national park. Apart from the path flooding and the area churned up by cattle at regular intervals during bouts of wet weather, a wooden step stile and fence was in need of repairs, which was situated between two ancient stone gate posts.

The access ranger had decided that it would be interesting to restore the original “yatstead” as they are known in this part of Yorkshire and incorporate the existing stile to maintain access for the many walkers who use this route. This type of gate is no longer used and rarely seen nowadays, the more modern field gate being widely used.  This simple, traditional gate is made of loose timber rails, set into holes and grooves carved into the stoups in the relatively soft sandstone; square holes are made on one side to take the trimmed butts of the rails, and deeply curving grooves on the opposite side to take the other rail ends, the curved grooves making it more difficult for cattle and horses to nose the rails out of place.

The group were split into two parties, the “brain drains” were to dig out a trench and lay a French drain across the area subject to ponding to relieve the problem, whilst the “wall gang” were to work on the stile - as it turned out-not a straightforward job! Over time the solid stone stoups had subsided and were out of alignment, so the rails would not function without some remedial work being done. Part of the dry stone wall on either side was stripped to gain access to the footings to the posts, which were then dug out to loosen the stoups. A winch with ground anchor was used to lever the posts  back to vertical, and new footings repacked and the wall reinstated. Then came the easy bit! New rails were cut to size and dressed to fit the yatsteads and the stile replaced.

The “brain drains” of course were finished well in advance of the “wall gang” and used the remaining time to do a grand job clearing the whole site and consuming Sara’s birthday chocolate muffins and copious amounts of tea. Overall a very satisfying day’s work.

Photos: Dave Purvis