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7 of the ramblers took a very windswept hike yesterday from Abbey Village to Darwen Tower, a climb of 1100 feet and just under 9 miles distance. Starting from the Hare and Hounds pub ( always good to begin ( and end) at a pub) we walked across a very well made path to Rake Brook, the first of the three reservoirs in the area. Pausing to watch the antics of a spaniel, who clearly covered at least 50% more ground than its human companion, we descended into woodland which forms part of the Witton Weavers Way, a long distance route we have walked many times in the past.

At this point the route was lovely. Quite dry in spite of the recent rains. The trees were coming into full leaf and there was an array of wild bluebells covering the river banks and a waterfall was very much in full flow.. Following this route for a couple of miles we came to the spillway of Roddlesworth Lower reservoir which was bone dry. From here we got our first glance of  Darwen Tower in the far distance bringing about cries of ” we’re walking to THERE???”

Leaving the woods at Tockholes Road, we realised we had been lulled into a false sense of security by the shelter of the woods and encountered what could only be described as a very brisk wind which unfortunately was blowing straight into us. Crossing the road and entering the moorland we came across a triplet of lambs  who were having a great time playing whilst mum grazed a short distance away. They already seemed well used to being photographed as took no notice of the group as snaps were taken.

The very stony path we took zigzagged steeply upwards with the end point of our route coming and going in the distance due to the very undulating terrain. With Alan our leader, usually striding out well in front, we huffed and puffed up the path until the welcoming sight of a bench gave us a bit of a breather. Having gained considerable height it became very apparent how windy it actually was, so it was heads down and plod on as we continued across the moors. Once again the tower came into view and our endpoint was near, or so we thought! For reasons only known to him, Alan then took a sharp turn off the path leading straight to the tower and led us via a very circuitous moorland route until we did eventually reach the tower! At least this route added another few hundred steps to our total step count!

Once here we tried to find some shelter for our snack stop but the wind had other ideas…to say it was blowing a gale puts it mildly! Being 1220 feet above sea level the tower is very exposed and consequently we were hardly able to stand up as the wind was so fierce and seemed to be blowing from every direction. Those in the group brave enough to go, climbed the 65 stone steps and 17 steps of the iron staircase  ( yes i counted them!) to reach the top of the newly refurbished tower. The views are amazing with  the Earlsden and Sunnyhurst reservoirs below, far below, the tower of India Mill in the centre of Darwen, and the expanse of Blackburn in the distance. Unfortunately because of the severity of the wind it was only possible to take a quick glance before retreating into the shelter of the dome again. Over the years the Jubilee tower has been described as  a  pepper pot, a space rocket, and  a stumpy, awkwardly proportioned piece. It is in fact an octagonal structure with outer faces only 15 feet in width. Completed it 1898 it was built to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria.  Standing 85 feet tall, Strong winds have blown the dome off the tower of at least 2 occasions, meaning it was closed  to the public for many years. The new dome was winched into place by helicopter at a cost of £35000, and  after extensive renovation to the structure it was reopened in June  last year in time for the late Queens platinum jubilee.

Having had a very hasty snack we began our descent from the trig point with the wind now at our backs hastening our descent! Thankfully having lost some height, we took the route across tracks and fields back towards Sunnyhurst Woods where there was only a gentle breeze, before retracing our steps for the final mile back to the pub where a late lunch and drinks were enjoyed.

Thanks to Alan for undertaking the recce ( with his long suffering wife who was apparently told it was a nice gentle walk!) and for leading us yesterday.