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BAMFORD STEPS
Bamford steps on the right bank of the Derbyshire Derwent just below Ladybower reservoir in the Peak National Park. Cheap and cheerful. Installed by the Parish Council in 2007 at a cost excluding planning fees of about £2,500.
Please Note:
The trees are all individually listed in a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
The TPO includes the trees at the bottom of the steps.
Originally thought of as a problem, in fact they give paddlers something to hang on to.The wooden steps were pre-formed, the bank neatly dug out.
The steps placed and bolted to pegs.
The stone was added later.
At the time these pictures were taken the bottom steps had yet to be finished off and more installed
LAZONBY STEPS
Lazonby steps on the left bank of the River Eden near Penrith Cumbria. A very successful if somewhat gold plated design. Installed in 2005.
Please Note:
Bottom step underwater to avoid inadvertent swimming.
Edges of all steps are rounded with a 50mm radius.
Big rocks are there to help form an eddy of quiet water for launching at higher river levels.
The surface of the steps has been tamped parallel to the bank to help avoid silting.
Bottom Steps are 5 meters long. Risers are 300 mm due to the steep bank.
Normally the maximum is 250mm.
INGRESS and EGRESS STEPS
At their site at Kirkstall, 3 miles to the West of Leeds City Centre LEEDS Canoe Club has a fine set of access steps to enable paddlers to launch on to the River Aire.
The Rails are to enable “Seal launching to take place” without damage to boat or bank. The paddler puts his Spray Deck on whilst in his craft and parked on the flat rails. Then when ready the paddler pushes himself down the sloping rails into the water. The rails are made of wood.
The steps below the surface are essential for safety reasons. If a paddler whilst launching his craft in advertently puts a foot in the water he would fall in and go for a swim if the underwater steps were not there.
A disadvantage of any steps is the accumulation of silt. From time to time this can be easily cleared off with a shovel or a power washer.
Please note the gentle ramp down from the top of the bank to the long top step. Ideal for wheel chair access were it not for the burnt rubbish.
At their site at Kirkstall, 3 miles to the West of Leeds City Centre LEEDS Canoe Club has a fine set of access steps to enable paddlers to launch on to the River Aire.The Rails are to enable “Seal launching to take place” without damage to boat or bank. The paddler puts his Spray Deck on whilst in his craft and parked on the flat rails. Then when ready the paddler pushes himself down the sloping rails into the water. The rails are made of wood.The steps below the surface are essential for safety reasons. If a paddler whilst launching his craft in advertently puts a foot in the water he would fall in and go for a swim if the underwater steps were not there. A disadvantage of any steps is the accumulation of silt. From time to time this can be easily cleared off with a shovel or a power washer.Please note the gentle ramp down from the top of the bank to the long top step. Ideal for wheel chair access were it not for the burnt rubbish.
Left: View from Downstream Right: View Upstream
River level slightly above summer level
INGRESS AND EGRESS
Steps and Landings
Click here to see the drawings