15 members of the Rambling group set off this morning from Ryal Fold near Burnley to walk up to the 123 year old Jubillee Tower situated on the moors above the town. Starting from the little hamlet we descended along some steep paths to the banks of the Upper Roddlesworth Reservoir. At this point a light drizzle started and our hopes of a dry walk were in doubt.
However the rain didn’t last too long and by the time we had reached the smaller Lower Roddlesworth Reservoir the sun was trying to come out and we caught the first glimpses of Darwen Tower way above us. From here we completed a semi circular navigation of the two reservoirs, where we saw some basking cormorants, before walking through Sunnyhurst Country park. After a short refreshment break we descended a most peculiar stone path known as the Donkey path, which is very similar to the paths found in the village of Clovelly. One can only presume the path was named such as it was the route of labouring donkeys in the past. From here we started the slow steady climb up the moors to the Tower itself. Unlike the day we did the recce, the tower was clearly visible, albeit shrouded in plastic sheeting, as restoration work finally began in July of this year. Already the top piece is in place and it seems as if the tower will be magnificent once fully restored. The views from the high point today were amazing and we could pick out Pendle, Winter, and White hills, Houghton Tower, and the Calder valley. Having had a group photo and another quick break we began the walk across the moors. At this point in October you would expect a stiff cold breeze, but today we had unseasonably warm wind and clear skies which meant we could walk without jackets! Crossing the moor we looked back on the tower standing proud against the skyline, before descending back down to the valley bottom. Following the course of the River Roddlesworth we returned through woodland to our start point. As usual a very good meal was enjoyed and the weary bunch set off for home having completed a good 10.3 mile hike with an ascent of a little over 825 feet! Well done everyone. And thanks to Gill for leading the walk today. The next ramble will be in the Chorley area on Thursday 4th November. Details to follow.