gangway
An earthen and plank ramp leading from the stable yard into the upper storey or mow of a dairy barn.
gangway: the ramp that gets hay into the loft
A gangway is an inclined ramp, typically constructed from earth reinforced with wooden planks or boards, that allows workers and equipment to move from ground level up into the upper storey or mow of a barn. In dairy operations, it serves the essential function of moving large volumes of hay, straw, and other stored feed from the stable yard into the elevated storage space where it is kept dry and protected from weather.
The gangway's gradient is deliberately shallow, usually between 1 in 6 and 1 in 8, steep enough to reduce the hauling distance but gentle enough that horses, oxen, or cattle can walk up it loaded with hay or grain without excessive strain. The ramp is anchored to the stable yard at its lower end and terminates at the mow floor, which sits typically 12 to 16 feet above ground. Wooden planks laid across the earth base provide traction and prevent the surface from turning to mud in wet conditions; these planks are often reinforced with cleats or cross-battens to improve grip.
Maintenance of a working gangway is constant. The earth foundation settles and compacts unevenly; the wooden surface splinters and rots from exposure to weather and animal traffic. The joints between planks become hazardous gaps as materials shift. Heavy use by laden animals or machinery can push the structure out of alignment within a season, and sections may need rebuilding annually. Poor drainage around the base leads to waterlogging and accelerates decay of the timber components.
The gangway occupies a functional middle ground between the stable yard and the barn proper. It exists because upper storage is essential in damp climates, yet the vertical lift required to reach it is too great for direct handling. Where barns are sited on slopes, the gangway may be unnecessary; where they sit on flat ground, it becomes a permanent fixture of the working farm. The structure is often built as part of the original barn design rather than as an afterthought, and its condition directly affects the efficiency and safety of daily feeding and mucking operations.