GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Sunnyhurst Woods

2 miles (2.5 km)

Explores 85 acres of woodland on this circular walk through Sunnyhurst Woods in Darwen. There's a nice stream running through the woods with good waterside footpaths on either side. It's perfect for a peaceful stroll and a picnic. The area is also a nature reserve so look out for a wide variety of flowering plants and birdlife including the great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, tree creeper, kingfisher and tawny owl. There is also a pretty visitor centre with information about all the trails in the woods.
This circular walk takes you through the woods and then past the neighbouring reservoirs of Earnsdale and Sunnyhurst Hey. Near the reservoirs there are great views across the moorland to Jubilee Tower.
If you would like to extend your walk then you could pick up the Witton Weavers Way and climb Darwen Tower for great views over the surrounding countryside.

Postcode

BB3 0LA - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Sunnyhurst Woods OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Sunnyhurst Woods Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Blackburn Walk visits the Jubilee Tower and the woods from the train station of the nearby town. It follows the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the Witton Weavers Way to the tower before heading to Sunnyhurst Woods and Darwen train station. Fishmoor Reservoir can also be explored in the town.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Lancashire Walks page.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Sunnyhurst Wood Visitors Centre - geograph.org.uk - 163249

Sunnyhurst Wood Visitors Centre

Pond in the wood - geograph.org.uk - 553532

Pond in the wood. Built in 1905 by damming Sunnyhurst brook, it was used as a paddling pool by the Victorian children.

Bridge over the stream in Sunnyhurst Wood - geograph.org.uk - 163248

Bridge over the stream and waterfall

Footpath in Sunnyhurst Wood - geograph.org.uk - 553540

Footpath in the woods. To the right the land slopes steeply, to the visitor centre in the valley.

Earnsdale Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 3562016

A lovely summer day at Earnsdale Reservoir. You can find the lake at the western end of the woods.

Reservoirs below Sunnyhurst Wood - geograph.org.uk - 2353529

Reservoirs below Sunnyhurst Wood. At the eastern end of the site.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Sunnyhurst Woods.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Sunnyhurst Woods.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)