BOTTOMS UP CHALLENGE


                                                      

                                                 BOTTOM'S  UP  CHALLENGE  EVENT, 15th October  2016

  

 

This event takes place from the tiny village of Hoghton, situated in the heart of Central Lancashire and under the shadow of the historic Hoghton Tower. How many of  you will know when you order a sirloin steak, or indeed when you last did the event, that this is the place where King James 1st. famously knighted a loin of beef, Sir Loin?

 

 

 

 

The walk itself goes along the drive of Hoghton Tower before descending through pleasant rural scenery to the Bottoms, first of all Salmesbury Bottoms, then Hoghton Bottoms. 

  

Once at the bottom the only way has to be up, which in this case the up is Billinge Hill and the Royal Witton Park. From here there is a short urban section before joining the Leeds Liverpool Canal. This is where the short route breaks off and the long route continues up, through rural countryside, to Tockholes. More history here in the form of a battle during the Civil War between Roundheads and Cavaliers and have you heard of Tockholes treacle mines?

Once over the brow of a hill and past Darwen Golf Course, you descend into and climb out of the lovely Sunnyhurst Woods.

  

On reaching the embankment of Earnsdale Reservoir you can look across the reservoir, where Darwen Tower is clearly in view. Built in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee, it is a landmark that can be seen for miles around. Ryal Farm, built in 1640, is the next point of interest, followed by Ryal Fold and the Royal Arms, once called Garstangs Public House. There is contrasting scenery as you pass through the attractive Roddlesworth Woods, then a short stretch of moorland, before going down and up through the village of Brinscall. Climbing now over, it’s mainly downhill, with fine views out to the coast, before once again rejoin the short route on the Leeds Liverpool Canal. Not far to go now as you pass through Riley Green and along the drive of Hoghton Tower to the finish of your walk.

Long route 22.5 miles. Short route 13 miles in 9.5 hours.

 

The 2016 entry form is available by clicking here

 

The route description is available by clicking here