Tockholes 22nd August


 

 

Walk Leader: Ken Wyles

Number on Walk: 13

Distance: 15 miles

Weather: Mist and drizzle in morning sunny in afternoon

 

This was a 15 mile walk from Ryal Fold which attracted 13 walkers, undeterred by the rather murky conditions. We set off in light drizzle downhill into Tockholes plantation which was misty and a bit like walking into the set of a horror film. We then picked up the Witton Weaver’s Way to walk above Belmont. The weather kept trying to improve. It got warm but was interspersed with showers making wearing a waterproof a bit like a mobile sauna.

The rain finally stopped as we crossed the A666 and I started to mull over whether to mention the bull I’d come across in the next field when I recce’d the route.

I decided against and, luckily, the herd was a dot in the distance as we climbed through the field. This was followed by a climb up to the trig point at Cheetham Close.

It was quite warm & sunny by this point so we had lunch coming off the top with some decent views over to Jumbles Reservoir & Holcombe Moor. We then dropped down to Turton & Entwhistle reservoir which wasn’t as busy as one might have feared. A short stretch of the Angleszarke Amble route took us past Cadshaw and up Turton Moor. We left the AA route to walk up the quieter side of Darwen Moor and enjoy a downhill finish back to the car park to find that the café had, sadly, already shut.

A pleasant walk with excellent company. Thanks to all who turned up.