St Paul's Rambling Group Heaton Moor

In the early morning mist, but with the promise of better weather later in the day, five of us set off to tackle part of the Tacklers Trail across the Darwen Moors and up to the Jubilee Tower. The first part of the walk was a stiff up hill climb, over rugged wet tracks to the top of the moor and across to the Jubilee Tower overlooking Darwen and Blackburn. Unfortunately, when we arrived, the visibility was not too good but the sun was trying to shine and here we found a sheltered spot for lunch. The next part of the route, which was downhill all the way, took us past the Sunnyhurst and Earnsdale Reservoirs and then it was up 'Donkey Brow' and over to the Royal Arms for a welcome refreshment break. At this point the trail descends  into woodland and then climbs steadily upwards to the remains of Hollinshead Hall where we stopped for a short break to explore the ruins of this old manor house. From here it was then a short walk back across the moor and return to car park.