DARWEN TOWER < 7 Miles
WALKERS :- Anthony, Mike, Mick, John R, Danny, Martin,
Harry, John W, Paddy Jim D, Jim C.
Anthony's crystal clear instructions (and a map) took us straight to our parking spot just off a main road in Darwen. A short walk along the main road and a right turn up a side street and we were at the gates of "Sunnyhurst Wood"
Once through the gates and we were confronted by the first of many moving aquatic displays (You will have observed the alliterative title of the Post.)
With the railings to our left we followed a well surfaced footpath into this delightfully interesting and well maintained woodland (The work of the "Friends of Sunnyhurst Wood" )
The path through the wood wended its' way past several further waterfalls. Much, it must be said, to John Ws' irritation.
On his last two walks, waterfalls had been promised but had disappeared since he had last visited them !
The Victorian (or Edwardian ?) designers of the park obviously had a keen desire to create the appearance of antiquity. Mock Tudor, Medieval and Romanesque designs were all to be seen.
Here we see Jim C practising ski moves. Notice the precise alignment of leg and stick.
We came across many monumental erections . The first of which was this rather elaborate drinking fountain.
As well as being a highly aquatic in nature the walk also presented us with other features which regular readers will know we find irresistible -- BRIDGES !
This photo shows both Waterfall AND bridge but I'm sure the readers eyes will have been drawn to the ghastly, uncoordinated outfit that J. W. is wearing . SORRY !
The path continued until we came upon a large open space in the middle of which was a "Bandstand" . The surrounding supply of seating encouraged us to take a slightly early coffee break.
Once coffee was over we left the main path through the park and took a side track leading steeply up the side of a small contributory valley. At the top of this path we came across yet another monumental construction, (not monumental as in "Very Big" ) which Harry sportingly posed upon. Requests to clamber atop were declined !!!
Shortly after this the path dipped to the right before climbing steeply to the left, out of the wood over a stile and out onto open fields.
Our target now appeared on the horizon above us.
The steep slippery field took us upwards till we joined a rough track which again led upwards. Rather than take the direct STEEP route (remember our combined ages ) we veered right to follow a track which climbed steadily below the tower.
Our path shows up as a dark line halfway up the slope.
A steady plod up this much easier ascent eventually turned sharply back and continued our modest progress towards "The Space Rocket".
As we slowly climbed the view of the East Lancashire urbanisation spread out before us. A vast acreage of brick and concrete. The very fact that our group is enjoying (??) our climb to the tower is down to the wisdom and courage of the people of these towns, who in the past, fought for the right to use these open spaces. The "Right to Roam" is a priceless gift from our ancestors. (That's enough sentimentality thank you.)
At last we arrived at the Tower.
Lunch was taken huddled against a chilly wind which managed to filch its' way into even the warmest of garments.
We couldn't of course leave the tower without at least some of us climbing the spiral staircase inside to the viewing levels above. This was not accomplished easily especially for those of us with reactolite lenses which had darkened in the sunshine. The steps were in deep shadow and varied in length,,, ooops !
Was it worth the effort ?
Down from the tower and into the teeth of the East wind. The next steeply downhill mile was definitely a "Dodgy Knee" detector and we were glad when our route levelled out.
Leaving the broad, rough track heading towards Darwen we took a left turn and headed towards the reservoirs of United Utilities. Across a couple more fields and then onto a tarmacked road. As we passed the U.Us' work base we noticed a signpost that could be a "Motto" for us or indeed any organisation.
Along the road and onto the causeway crossing the dam of the reservoir as we headed to the top end of Sunny Hurst Wood the far end of which had been our starting point.
The entrance to "Sunnyhurst" was closed off and we were obliged to take a rather longer route through a decidedly upmarket farmyard development.
From the reservoir we could look back to the tower we had visited earlier. It looked a remarkably long way away.
From here we had to endure another Knee wrecking descent (mercifully short) before arriving at the path through the woods we had left some hours before.
A final flask finishing rest at the bandstand....
"Ey ! I remember when yu could get a bottle of Dandelion and Burdock, a bag of crisps and and a gobstopper and still 'ave change from a tanner."
and a our journey now took us back along the trail we had "Blazed" earlier. (BLAZED ?? Perhaps a lukewarm smoulder might be a more apt description of our walking style.)
And so to home but not before one more bridge photo !
Yes Danny. We CAN see you !
And a final wash of the boots in the river.
Further Photos :-
The water in the river is not brown it is the sandy bottom of this shallow stretch.
One of many seats strategically and thoughtfully placed along this moorland walk.
Harry caught with a very grumpy expression. This is not our cheerful and much loved friend.
A sad little memorial stone by the side of the road
What the 'eck is this by the reservoir ?
Harry has always been a very "upright" person.
Someone had the temerity to suggest that John W had a certain gnomelike appearance today !
Anthony on the other hand correctly identified this plant as a Wild Arum (Lords & Ladies or technically "Arum Maculatum" -- Dorling Kindersley pocket book of Wild Flowers.)
