I love a good view and I try my best to capture that view with the aim of been able to put the viewer right there. How? By putting a bench in there of course....
2020 brought us some challenges with the covid-19 pandemic but the one thing we have been able to do is go out and exercise. There is nothing more better for us than some fresh air. It has been scientifically proven that even a 10 minute walk immediately boosts brain chemistry that increases happiness. My little family and I regularly go out for walks and I more often then not turn these into photo walks.
January took me on my first solo hike to the local landmark, Darwen Tower. Darwen Tower was completed in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria's diamond Jubilee and also to celebrate the victory of the local people for the right to access the moor. It is built on Darwen Hill which is 1,220 feet (372 meters) above sea-level and has views of North Yorkshire, Morecambe Bay, Blackpool tower and Cumbria. The views are amazing and there are a fair few benches on the way....
Next on my list is Calf Hey Reservoir which is a very short circular route just off Grane Road, Haslingden. I did A blog on my photo walk around this beauty spot. If you would like to read that, click here. But there is some benches on the route that you can just take in the scenery.
West Pennie Moors which incorporates 90 square miles of uplands, valleys, farmland and reservoirs, including the above Calf Hey and Jumbles reservoirs. Jumbles Res is our next trip on the bench with a view tour. Jumbles Country Park was opened in 1971 by Queen Elizabeth II on completion of the reservoir that is situated north of Bolton.
With it been in the middle of January the weather wasn't great but made for some dark and moody shots. With plenty of pit stops along the way in the shape of benches there is nothing to stop you from taking a rest and enjoying the view.
Continuing our exploration of the West Pennie Moors we took in the sights of Rivington. Rivington is a beauty spot with lots and lots of places to explore. On this trip with took in Lower Rivington Reservoir. There is lots of different trails that are good for walking, cycling and horse riding which makes Rivington appealing and pleasant for all. The trails are colour coded and easy to follow and the map states which is suitable for who. We decided on the Blue Trail: The Castle Loop.
Then life has we knew it changed. Covid-19 arrived and everything stopped. Although we were still aloud out, we weren't aloud OUT OUT. But May also brought a special birthday for myself where I should have been photographing the gorgeous sites of Rome..... Instead I took the boys back up Darwen Tower but from a different start point and there was plenty of benches on the way up.
Tockholes is another beauty spot just up the road from me (10 minute drive at most). We start at the Roddlesworth information center where there is a car park, toilets and is a good base for several walks in the area. This time I took a walk around Roddlesworth reservoir. It is a beaituful walk through the woods to the res where there is a bench for you to rest your weary legs, catch your breath and take in the view.
A short walk at the seaside is what everyone needs now and again to clear the head and with gorgeous views Morecambe Bay has to offer why wouldn't you take a pew and admire the view?
The Dream is located on the prominent summit of the former Sutton Manor Colliery in St.Helens, Merseyside. Midway between Liverpool and Manchester, Dream is close to Junction 7 of the M62 motorway and is our next stop. The Dream is a sculpture that takes form of a young girl's head. It was commissioned by both ex-miners and St Helens' Council with the aim of reflecting the aspirations of the community. It was decided a mining monument was far from the wishes of the community and instead, a forward-looking piece that would inspire generations. You can get more information on the Dream here.
July, things started to ease back into some sort of new normality and we decided to try somewhere new to walk but local enough. I bought 100 walks in Lancashire book and found a park in Preston (Avenham and Miller Park) and it was beautiful. We certainly found a hidden gem almost right in the city center. And the weather was perfect!
Rivington came calling again in July and with so many areas to explore who wouldn't want to go back time and time again? We aimed for Upper Rivington Reservoir but on the way we were distracted by a view to die for...
We took the mother in law for a short walk along Arnside prom in September to blow away the lockdown blues as we were aloud to mix with another household. Arnside is a modest sized, unspoilt, holiday resort on the estuary where the River Kent enters Morecambe Bay. It hosts some stunning scenery and superb walks. We walked the prom and had some fish and chips on a bench overlooking the estuary.
October saw us able to venture abit further afield and the new tier system meant we were still able to go on our holiday to Cornwall. The scenery in Cornwall was out of this world. We were blessed with some gorgeous sunshine aswell as some gusty winds which made for some dramatic scenes...
Lands end
Newquay
We threw in a pit stop at Stonehenge and what a magical and mysterious place this is.
Only two more benches with views for 2020. Yarrow Valley Country Park is a family favorite walk and we visit several times over the year. It is the perfect walk that isn't hard and is perfect for all weathers.
Not quite in time for a white Christmas but December did bring snowfall so obviously I had to take my camera out for a walk. We ventured out to the local Park, Witton country Park, is itself an area of beauty that covers 480 acres of countryside. It has plenty of picnic spots, walks, nature trails and lots of play areas for the kids.
So that's it for 2020 and what a roller-coaster of year it has been. 2021 will bring all sorts of new challenges as we have already been put back into lockdown. But remember walking for your mental health isn't about the distance you cover, its about getting out there in the first place. So weather you walk around the block or are lucky enough to have a nature spot on your doorstop get out there but remember the guidelines and stay safe, protect the NHS and save lives!
As always, thank you for reading.
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