November 13th Moderate

Wednesday, 13th November 2013

Walk:	Tockholes Plantations, Ruin of Hollinshead Hall, Catherine Edge, Hanging Stones on Turton Moor, Darwen Moor, Duckshaw Clough and Darwen Jubilee Tower
Start Point:	Ryal Fold car park	Grid Reference:	SD 666 215
Distance:	8.8 miles	Ascent:	1,250 feet
Time:	5.25 hours
Weather:	Dry and sunny but overcast by mid afternoon
Comments:	The group of twenty one first descended to the River Roddlesworth before climbing a gentle gradient to the ruins of Hollinshead Hall for elevenses. Continuing along the Witton Weavers Way to Catherine Edge the leader then took an adventurous uphill route over uncharted ground to the Hanging Stones on Turton Moor. There were no defined paths and the ground was rather boggy and, unfortunately for some, water and mud oozed over boot tops. Lunch was taken at Big Grey Stones on Turton Moor. Visibility was good and fine views could be seen, including Holcombe Tower on Holcombe Moor. Dotted about Turton Moor were concrete posts marking the former Bolton Corporation Water Works boundary. From the Big Grey Stones the group re-joined the Witton Weavers Way for a short distance before crossing Darwen Moor and passing Duckshaw Clough on the way to Darwen Jubilee Tower. Some members of the group took the opportunity to increase their total ascent by climbing the tower to get a better view. By this time a chilly wind was blowing and the group set out on the last leg of the walk by descending Darwen Hill to return to the start point at Ryal Fold. The route was over a mixture of well-defined paths and boggy ground. Anyone wanting to use the route would be well advised to take a map and compass. An enjoyable walk.