Walk leader: Pete Lang

Number on Walk: 11 plus Elsie the Border Terrier

Distance: 16 miles

Weather: Fine and dry

The day started at 9.00 am on the public car park to the side of the Royal Arms at Tockholes. 11 people turned up, several of them new to the usual West Lancs group. Pete the walk leader pointed out this was also his first Saturday walk, and had somehow been talked into leading by the very persuasive David Whittaker. We then set off along the good path heading up onto Darwen Moor, where the ruins of Old Aggies, the Step Back and Lyons Den were pointed out. We then headed across the moor to Jubilee Tower, which has a height of 85 ft, and commemorates Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and also celebrates the victory of local people to gain access to the the moor. As the weather was fine the views were excellent. Gareth also pointed out the trig point close to the tower, which had been bought by the West Lancs LDWA and it was suggested Pete might find time in his busy retired schedule to give it another coat of paint ! We then headed out past Lords Hall to Cadshaw where we encountered some over grown and also muddy sections of path making the going a little slower. After crossing the A666 at Cadshaw we then took in a scenic loop of Entwistle Reservoir where we stopped for lunch at a convenient picnic spot. Once fully refueled we then headed back over Turton Moor and then Longworth Moor. This section of path was virtually non existent, however helped by a thorough prior recce, we managed to eke out a reasonably dry and straight forward passage. It was then onto the Witton Weaver's Way above Belmont reservoir with good views over the valley, and then finally an easy walk through Tockholes Wood passing the ruins of Hollinshead Hall back to the Royal Arms. The weather was dry throughout leading to a very pleasant day, finished off nicely with a pint in the Royal.