Getting to the chicken coop means walking up a steep dirt slope cut into the hill. The loose soil and the grade itself make the route difficult, especially after frequent trips up and down the hill.
In a project shared by Reddit user u/a3pulleyThat worn path was replaced with a series of stone steps built from large limestone slabs. Each piece was shaped and set into compacted soil, creating a path that connected the upper yard to the barn while matching the stonework already present throughout the landscape.
Instead of introducing concrete or gravel, the project relies on hand-crafted stone to solve the problem. The finished steps transformed one of the most difficult sections of the property into a permanent access road that seems connected to the rest of the hillside.
The chicken coop sat at the bottom of a steep hill
The chicken coop occupies a prepared terrace below the main yard, separated by a dirt slope.
A stone ledge already defined the perimeter of the enclosure, but frequent use left a narrow entrance into the hill.
Limestone slabs mark the future staircase
Large limestone blocks were placed along the slope to establish a path from the upper gate to the lower enclosure.
Stone sizes varied throughout the layout, allowing larger slabs to serve as landings while smaller pieces controlled changes in direction and elevation.
The lower landing is attached to the retaining wall
Installation began where the stairs meet the terrace surrounding the hut.
Some large slabs create a broad transition from the enclosure to the climb while being built directly into the existing stone retaining wall.
CD extended across grades
Additional limestone continued its way up the hill.
Each slab follows the contours of the terrain rather than pushing the slope in straight lines, creating a path that works with the landscape rather than against it.
The retaining wall and steps share the same materials
Viewed from within the enclosure, the staircase and retaining wall read as part of the same project.
Matching stone colors and textures create continuity between the edge of the terrace and the climbing path.
The upper gate now connects directly to the coupe
A completed staircase forms a direct path from the entrance gate to the enclosure.
Wide stone steps replace the loose soil underfoot and establish a defined path of circulation through an area that previously lacked structure.
Stone Path changed how Hillside works
The comparison shows the difference between the original dirt track and the finished shingle.
Hand-laid limestone slabs transformed a difficult section of the property into an accessible connection between the upper yard and the chicken coop while extending the stonework already present on the site.
All images and credits go to the Reddit user u/a3pulley.
