Leader: John T

Number on the walk: 19

Distance: 9.8 miles

Weather: Very mild and sunny

We set off from Abbey Village following the Witton Weavers Way north under the motorway viaduct to join the Leeds Liverpool canal. We soon left the canal and crossed some fields to re-join the Witton Weavers way south back under the motorway and on past the overgrown graveyard of Saint Stephen’s Church to Tockholes. We stopped at the primary school here for lunch where there was enough seating for everyone.

We then headed up Coal Pit Lane and followed the path across Darwen Golf Course down to Earnsdale Reservoir. We crossed the reservoir climbing up onto the higher path which skirted round crossing Stepback Brook before dropping down to Roddlesworth Information Centre. From here we followed the usual track through the woods past the reservoirs to Abbey Village. The day ended with a drink in the Hare and Hounds. Great walk and a great start to the year.

Photos can be seen 'here'