EAST CHESHIRE RAMBLERS
Darwen Tower and Witton Weavers Way EAST Cheshire Ramblers ventured north recently for a nine-mile walk in the area of Darwen Moor, lying roughly equidistant between Bolton, Blackburn and Preston.
The first point of interest on the walk was the ruins of Hollinshead Hall, a late 18th century manor house, the site of which had been in the possession of several notable Lancashire families over many centuries but only the Well House of which remains intact today.
Continuing through the woodland, following the route of the River Roddlesworth, the ramblers were startled by the sudden sound of galloping hoofs, caused by a red deer running straight towards them. Fortunately, the deer veered sharply away and disappeared through the undergrowth, vainly pursued by an Alsatian dog.
As the river flows into a nearby reservoir, with a peaceful bank side, this seemed an appropriate point for the morning coffee break, to restore the nerves. Suitably refreshed, the walkers ascended onto the moorland towards the main objective of the walk – the octagonal Jubilee Tower, overlooking the town of Darwen.
The 85ft tower was completed in 1898 to commemorate both Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and also to celebrate the victory of the local people in a court battle, which restored the right to access the moor.
The tower can be climbed via the internal staircase to admire views which on a clear day can reach as far as Blackpool Tower and North Wales.
The tower served as a shelter from the wind for the lunch break, after which the route re-crossed the moorland and returned to the start point using the Witton Weavers Way, a series of linked paths created to highlight aspects of the area’s industrial past.
The East Cheshire Ramblers are putting on a series of Thursday evening walks between May and mid August and commencing May 10 the first walk is themed ‘Bluebell walk’ and will start out from Bollington.
Most walks will start at 7pm and will enable those people who are working during the day to join the friendly group for an evening walk led by a leader knowledgeable of the area.
For details go to ramblerseastcheshire.org. uk