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Earlier in the
year I had been invited to deliver one of the series of talks
known as the 'Ludlow Lectures'. Of course I was delighted to be
asked and having agreed took the opportunity of visiting Fishpool
Valley for the first time 'out of season' as it were. Recent heavy
rainfall and falling leaves revealed a valley alive with the sound
of rushing waters and full of unexpected vistas and sites. Having
only seen it previously in dry summers with barely a trickle of
water it was a real revelation.
The pump house, roof fixed, viewing platform installed and scaffolding removed now, 'open for business'.
... and here is the information panel inside with some of our illustrations. The platform enables visitors to get close to the remains of the beam pump, really some more recording could be done now it's more accessible.
We worked on the spillway for dam 6, recorded and repaired earlier in the year and taking the water....
.. to this attractive little waterfall, never seen in action before.
The most striking change was further up the valley and dam 7, here is a general view of the new spillway and refurbished cascade.
The cascade on dam 7 with suitably tumultuous waters pouring down and flowing away.
The incoming flow to the cascade, still needs a debris catcher and dam 7 now has pool 7, marvelous.
Not too sure though about the spillway, it looks huge and rather industrial. I expect it will mellow with age.
Up at the grotto we now have that longed for view of the cascade and pool to enjoy and a nice timber seat to sit on and look down the valley.
The conduit house was was also alive with rushing water, some of it from the spring up by the track and some spurting out from the walls of the tank.
Structurally everything seems to be holding up quite well but work will have to be done to ensure the site's long term preservation.
Up at the car park visitors can help themselves to this charming and totally up to the minute little guidebook.