Darwen Tower
As the festive period comes to an end, it's time to blow away the cobwebs and go out exploring again and obviously try out the new lens that I got for christmas. I had a day off, the hubby was working and the boy was at his grandma's so I thought I would make the most of the nice sunny day and venture out on my own. I decided on a hike up Darwen Tower.
Darwen Tower, also known as the Jubilee Tower, was built on Darwen hill overlooking the town of Darwen, 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 was opened to the public on 24 September 1898. The architect was R. W. Smith-Saville.
There is many ways up to the Tower from various places around the town. I started my trip from the Car park at the Roddlesworth information Center near to the royal Arms pub,BB3 0PA. To the side there is a road, Hollinshead Terrace, side posted for the bridleway. Off to the right you see the gates onto the field that leads up to the tower. Sheep graze in this field so dogs need to be kept on leads. There is stones markers telling you which way to go.
I followed the path up which was a moderate ascend but the path not in good condition with big gaping holes which was no doubt caused by the continuous rain we have been having lately so care must be taken. It must also be noted that this is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchair users. As you come to the top of the field you come across another gate, go through and follow the path round.
Once through these gates the tower disappears from view.
As the path turns you notice some steps built into the hill. Again a stone marker marks the way. Again care must be taken on these steps as these are quite steep and uneven. I decided on my way up these that I will not be taking the same route back down as they were also slippery.
This path curves round and is rather steep but there is bench at the top for a well deserved rest with a nice view of the moors. After a quick drink I was off again. The tower had got to be close now...
Following the markers leads you to an amazing view which on a good day you can see as far as Blackpool Tower. The weather was abit too hazey for me to see that far today. Continuing following the path and the tower comes back into view.
Sitting at 85ft in height, walkers can climb to the top of the tower via the internal staircase to admire the breathtaking views of both the surrounding moorland, and the slightly further afield sights of Yorkshire, Morecambe Bay, Blackpool Tower, Cumbria, the Isle of Man, and North Wales. A splendid view of Darwen and Blackburn can also be obtained. Although the tower was open I only ventured as far has the first viewing area as the wind had picked up but the views were just as amazing. It took me an hour and 15 minutes to get to the tower but that was with me taking pictures and admiring the views along the way so it could probably be done in less time than that.
After a walk around the tower and a sit down on a bench to admire the views, it was time to venture back down. As I said before I decided not go back on the route I had come up. This was going to be an adventure as even though I have lived in Blackburn for over 20 years this was only the 2nd time up the tower. The first time we got a map from the information center but that wasn't open when I set off. So as I was sitting admiring the view I took time to google the route and found the circular route that would take me back to my car. With the tower behind me I took the path down to right.
As with any good walks, don't forget to look back...
Again this path was badly damaged so care must be taken. With this in mind and as it was fairly steep I didn't take many photos of the way down. But came across a gorgeous grey mare that wanted to say hello.
I just followed the path all the way down until I came to the Sunnyhurst Pub. Once there I had to turn left and follow the road round until I came across an slight folk in the road. I took a slight right that brought me to Earnsdale Reservoir.
At the end of the Reservoir, there is another folk in the path, I took the one to the left, Dean Lane, which was quite steep and narrow but this lead us back onto Tockholes Road that the car park is on. As I came to the end of this path the heavens opened and so the camera was put away.
All in all the walk took me 2 hours and 40 minutes which thoroughly enjoyed. Sometimes its nice just to get out on your own and enjoy life and life always seems better when the sun shins. Though this walk just goes to show you how quickly the weather can change. It started cloudy and was glorious sunshine by the time I reached the top. But then a strong wind blew and then a rain shower by the end of the walk. Just goes to show that you need to prepare for any eventuality.
All photos were taken on my Nikon D3500 using my kit lens and my latest addition of a 10-20mm wide angle lens which is ideal for landscape photography.
As always thank you for reading.
x
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