Nab a Tower, a Pike and a couple of hills. Sat 12th Aug
Walk leader – Sue Lomax
Distance - 22.3 miles. 4141ft ascent (according to my GPS)
A group of 11 of us including 3 newcomers:- Helen, Gemma and Matt set off from White Coppice on a rather grey, but at this point dry, morning. Our objective was to “do” Chorley’s 6 local highpoints.
To reach our first “peak” Darwen Tower we headed up through Wheelton Plantation over Withnell Moor, through the woods at Roddlesworth to reach Earnsdale Reservoir. Then we began the first climb of the day to reach Darwen Tower. Coffee break was taken here as we sat and watched the ominous black clouds approaching. By the time we set off again it was raining so it was the usual “do we put full waterproofs on, is it just a shower” etc etc. Suitably (or as it turned out in most cases not suitably) attired we headed off over Darwen moor to drop down through the woods to Hollinshead Hall. By this time we were soaked as the rain had been somewhat heavy, cold and persistent so in the shelter of the woods those of us who hadn’t had the sense to do it earlier put on waterproof trousers!
After crossing the A675 we began the somewhat squelchy ascent of Great Hill. Thankfully the rain eased off and the exertions of climbing Great Hill soon warmed us up.
After a quick regroup on the top of Great Hill we set off along Spitlars Edge towards our 3rd “peak” Winter Hill. The weather had now settled into a pattern of dry spells and showers which was an improvement but not exactly “summery”. Part way along Spitlars Edge a comfortable wall beckoned for our lunch stop. Luckily this coincided with a break in the showers. Suitable refreshed we continued up another squelchy climb to our 3rd objective Winter Hill. Typically just as we arrived at the trig point so did the next heavy shower.
The next target Two Lads” was a nice easy walk. At first down the tarmac road then branching off across the moor. Leaving Two Lads it was down to Pike Cottage then along the stony track and the climb up to our 5th “peak” Rivington Pike. Amazingly the rain had stopped and blue sky was appearing (better late than never). A quick tea stop on the top and we headed off down into the terraced gardens. By now it was actually sunny and we felt it was finally safe to remove all waterproof layers.
The route to our final objective, The Nab, took us along the side of Anglezark , up across the field at Grey Heights to reach the top of The Nab all in glorious sunshine.
We returned to our cars via the lanes to White Coppice arriving back at 6pm.
It was a good walk despite the mixed weather. Thank you to everyone who came to keep me company and well done to Julie – a new pb!!
To view photos please click 'here'
