Darwen Tower

Making the most of a bit of decent weather we all decided to go for a walk to Darwen Tower.  The Tower is pretty dominant in the skyline around those parts and it kind of looks like a rocket from a distance. Thus with a vague bonfire night connection it seemed the ideal place to head for.

Darwen Tower - looking a bit dark and satanic!!

The octagonal tower is on Beacon hill and was completed in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and also to celebrate the victory of the local people for the right to access the moor. It was opened to the public on 22 September 1898.

We decided to get there via the very lovely Sunnyhurst Woods.

Sunnyhurst Woods - A lovely late Victorian/Edwardian park

We strolled through the lovely woods and then climbed up to the reservoir before heading across to the tower itself. A gloriously crisp and clear day - we could see for miles and miles. To the coast, the lake district, yorkshire dales, saddleworth moor and lots more. Lovely.

Taking a break and admiring the stunning views

Kept stopping to admire the lovely views and say hello to other walkers. Then we bumped into a couple with a pair of donkeys. They were taking the donkeys for a walk! Must have taken them quite a while as everyone they passed would stop and make a fuss of them! Us too!

Donkeys out for a walk too!

Now the girls want donkeys for pets....

Got to the tower and went up to check out the view even more. Grandparents had brought biccies and hot chocolate so we sat in the sunlight and tucked in.

A great little walk. Well worth it, if you are in the area.