Darwen Tower
This circular walk takes you up Darwen Hill to Jubilee Tower from Tockholes in Lancashire. The short climb to the tower gives great views over the surrounding moorland and reservoirs. The Bowland Fells and the mountains of Ingleborough and Whernside make a wonderful backdrop. On a clear day you can also see North Yorkshire, Morecambe Bay, Blackpool Tower, the Lake District and the Isle of Man.
The walk starts from the car park at Tockholes and follows good footpaths to the hill summit and the tower. You can then climb the 85 feet high tower on the staircase inside. The tower was built in the late 19th century to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.
The route descends along the Witton Weavers Way, passing the attractive Sunnyhurst Hey and Earnsdale Reservoirs before returning to the car park. At Earnsdale reservoir you will find the pretty Sunnyhurst Woods. You could extend the walk by exploring the 85 acres of woodland with its streams and wide variety of birdlife.
There's also nice footpaths around Roddlesworth Reservoir and the adjacent Rake Brook Reservoir.
Darwen Tower Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Darwen Tower Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Darwen Tower OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Darwen Tower Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The tower is often approached from the nearby town of Darwen. One nice option is to start in Bold Venture Park where there are some nice trails to start the walk. The tower is not too far from the western end of the park.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Darwen or Jubilee tower. The tower, built to celebrate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee. The first sod was laid in 1897 and the official opening was 1898. From the top viewing platform can be seen the peaks of the Yorkshire dales, the lakeland and Welsh mountains, and west to the Irish sea.
View from foot of Darwen Jubilee Tower. Looking north-westwards in the general direction of Blackpool but too misty to see that far. Nearer to the camera is Sunnyhurst Hey Reservoir and slightly further away is Earnsdale Reservoir.
Darwen Moor. The wooded valley of Stepback Brook cuts the moor in two. Darwen Tower (in the next square) can be seen in the distance.
