Friday, 21st December 2012

 

Walk: Tockholes Plantations, Roddlesworth Reservoir, Sunnyhurst Wood, Jubilee Tower, Darwen Moor
Start Point: Car park off A675 Grid Ref: SD 665 191
Distance: 8.5 miles Ascent: 1,360 feet
Weather: Dry and mild but misty on the moor Time: 3.5 hours
Comments: With recent heavy rain, and numerous flood warnings in various parts of the country, I chose this route as I knew that most of it would be reasonable underfoot. After climbing out of the plantations I crossed the fields to Higher Hill Farm which dates from the 17th century and has some original mullion windows. It also has a complete 'garderobe' or lofty loo - an early form of indoor toilet - easily seen from the outside! I then followed a familiar route through Sunnyhurst Wood and up to Jubilee (Darwen) Tower which was hiding in the mist. After crossing Darwen Moor I eventually returned past Hollinshead Hall (ruin) to the car park.

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

The River Roddlesworth from the bridge

 

The waterfall shows the effects of the recent rain . . .

 

as does the river . . .

 

which meanders through the woods

 

One of the Roddlesworth Reservoirs . . .

 

and a very busy overflow . . .

 

which is composed of . . .

 

a series of stepped sections

 

The board informs us about . . .

 

the steel posts seen from . . .

 

both sides

 

Higher Hill Farm

 

Looking across Earnsdale Reservoir to a disappearing . . .

 

Jubilee Tower

 

One of the sculptures in . . .

 

Sunnyhurst Wood

 

I'm nearly at the top of the climb . . .

 

before Jubilee Tower starts to emerge . . .

 

from the mist

 

Still some Autumn colour in Tockholes Plantation

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