Darwen Tower

              No sooner had we set off on our walk, and Darwen Tower came into view.

When we stopped at a sunny junction, after walking through a shady wood, we settled down to doing what Meanderthals enjoy doing most. Having a brew and a chat. John had been given one of those collapsible seats by our friend Martin, but when he tried to open it, it did just that. It collapsed. I managed to put it back together. Here is John, cautiously trying it out.

Having rested and refuelled, we set off up the steep but not very long climb up to the tower.

Oh come on lads, surely you don't need another rest already. While we were having our brew earlier, John got his harmonica out, and gave us a rendition of the theme tune to Last of the Summer Wine. This could well be a scene from Last of the Summer Wine.

                      Nearly there. The town of Blackburn spreads out below us.

The refurbished tower, including a new metal dome was opened again to the public just two months ago. The original dome was made of wood, but it was damaged by high winds during a storm.

                             John R surveys the East Lancashire countryside.

                                                          Dinner time at the top.

                   Someone was disturbing the peace, by flying a drone around.

After dinner we climbed the infernal steps to the top of the tower, to view the whole of Lancashire spread out below us on all sides. It was a beautiful clear and sunny day. Couldn't have been better.

                              On our way back down, but by a different route.

We always but always have a bridge shot on our walks. But today there wasn't a bridge to be had anywhere, so you'll have to make do with this one.

After passing the southern tip of Earnsdale Reservoir, there was just a last climb up this hill and along a track back to the cars and off home.

                                    But not before a last brew at the Ramblers Cafe.

                                            Thanks for another good walk Anthony

                                                                          DK