The project to upgrade and improve the walk from Sandford to Strathaven via the Spectacle E'e Falls was split into two phases. The first phase was to replace the Viewing Platform at the Falls plus two bridges on the approaching footpath, and also to repair part of the pathway edging and handrails. This work was funded by grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and South Lanarkshire Environmental Challenge Fund.
The second phase was funded by the Community Environmental Renewal Grant, and consisted of the following areas of work:
- Repair of erosion damage to the River Kype banking near its confluence with the River Avon
- Repairs to the pathway upstream from above
- Interpretative Panels giving details of the Old Mill, Falls and local natural history
- Restoration and consolidation work on the ruins of the Old Mill
- Replacement of stiles and installation of a self closing gate
- Repair to steps on the pathway using volunteer labour
- New indicator signs to Falls and footway.
There was assistance in the planning and overseeing of this project from three employees of South Lanarkshire Council, for which the community council was extremely grateful. They were John Douglass, Countryside Ranger (Access Team), Philip Glennie, Access Development Officer, and Hamish Neilson, Greenspace Manager, South Lanarkshire Greenspace.
Erosion Damage
The initial plan was to repair this using gabion walling, covered with soil to reinstate the footpath, and a quotation for this work was the basis for the original cost estimate. When SEPA were consulted about this they indicated this would not be suitable as it would be liable to cause eddies further downstream, which could cause further erosion. They suggested a soft engineering approach rather than the hard engineering of gabions. The work was completed by Esk and Borders Guide Service who used 25 x 5 metre long larch logs in three tiers as a support for the banking. The lower tiers are held in place with steel metal rods, and the upper tier with wooden posts, cut off at ground level. This was back filled with rock from the river bed and covered with the soil that had been excavated. The vegetation that was removed was placed on top to consolidate the whole banking.
Pathway Repairs
This consisted of several small repairs that were undertaken by Dunolly Landscapes. The vegetation was strimmed back on the lower part of the pathway and bushes beside the path cut back to make it wider and not force walkers on to the edge of the river banking. Repairs were also carried out at the foot of the steps by cementing rocks obtained from the river bed to fill in a gap in the path. A revetment was installed near the Falls to reinforce the edge of the pathway.
Interpretative Panels
These were designed and manufactured by Selkie Associates of Argyll. They made a site visit to see where they would be located, and photographs were incorporated into the panels. One was for the approach to the Falls from Sandford and gives details of the geology and natural history of the area. The other was placed by the ruins of the old Mill giving details of its history. These panels were to be erected after all the other work was completed to avoid any accidental damage, using volunteer labour.
Repairs to Mill Stonework
The old Mill ceased working over 100 years ago and there is very little left of it today. The small fragments of wall that are still standing were beginning to crumble so a stonemason was employed to repoint where necessary and rebuild one or two small sections to prevent further collapse. Before commencing this work there was consultation with the West of Scotland Archaeological Service about what should be done. The Stonemason used was Alex Steele of Carstairs.
Replacement of Stiles
The group wanted to replace 2 stiles with self closing gates in order to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. The two farmers who own the fields at either end of the path objected to this as they felt that members of the public might wedge the gates open and allow their stock to wander on to a roadway. These two stiles have therefore been replaced with a design of stile approved by SNH as being suitable for people with limited mobility. A self closing gate was purchased for the entry to the wooded gorge from the Sandford direction. Immediately inside this gate is a bridge that had to be replaced under phase one of the project. The cost of fitting the gate was to be funded from another source.
Step Repairs
Some of the steps and handrails along the footpath were in need of repair, so timber was purchased for this, and the work done by volunteers provided by South Lanarkshire Greenspace and the local community.
Indicator Signs
New signposts have been erected at either end of the footpath and at the bridge over the River Avon, to indicate to visitors the direction of the walk and the distances involved. These were supplied by South Lanarkshire Council and erected by the Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society.
Contact
Sandford and Upper Avondale Community Council
1 Stonehouse Road
Sandford
Strathaven
Lanarkshire
ML10 6PD
Telephone: 01357 520159