Temple, Hill and Tower.  May 1^st

Walk leader   Sue Lomax

No on walk     14

Distance         14 miles

Amazingly the weather was on our side today, some sunshine, breezy and the odd cloud.  First time for months we all returned with clean boots (although Mac lost his sole!!).

The group of 14 set off from Dole Lane, Abbey Village to walk along the side of Roddlesworth reservoir before cutting up to cross the A675.  We then followed paths up across Withnell Moor to pass by Solomons Temple – one of the “lost farms of Brinscall”.

Moving on we crossed the top of Well Lane and walked along the stony track to Drinkwaters (another derelict farm) and the site of Joes cup.  Joe Whitter was an ultra distance fell runner who used to regularly run on these moors and often used to stop at the spring at Drinkwaters when on his Sunday runs with friends.

A stop here for a quick break was followed by a climb to the top of Great Hill.  What goes up must come down and we then headed down to Piccadilly on the Belmont Road and through the woods past Hollinshead Hall. The hall ruins we see today are from 1776 when John Hollinshead built a new house on the site. It had previously been home to a large farmhouse, dating from over hundred years earlier. 

Following the Witton Weavers Way we climbed up to Darwen moor where a very convenient stone wall provided a sheltered sunny spot for lunch.  It was tempting to linger here but it was soon time to move on and we made our way across the moor to Darwen Tower.  The return route descended past Earnsdale reservoir, up Donkey Brew and along Weasel Lane to Tockholes.  The final part followed field paths past Higher Hill to Red Lea farm and Abbey Village.

It was a very pleasant walk, good company, good views and good weather.  Thank you all for joining me.

                                                                                 Sue

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