Witton Weavers Way is a 32 mile trail of discovery which spans areas of Blackburn and Darwen. The Way is split into 4 different trails, each named after jobs within the cotton industry.Blackburn and Darwen were at the heart of the cotton industry in the 1900's when the area was full of weaving sheds. Before this though hand loom weavers used to work from home and The Way is named in recognition of the huge role weaving and the cotton industry has played in the area over the years.
The four circular routes which make up the network are:
The Beamers Trail (6 Miles)
This route starts and ends in Witton Country Partk and takes walkers in a circular route through Woodcock Hill, Houghton Bottoms and Pleasington. Sections of the trail are alongside the River Darwen. Unfortunately part of the trail in Houghton Bottoms is closed until February 2009 due to a footpath collapse alongside the river.
The Reelers Trail (7.5 miles)
The second part of the Witton Weavers Way takes in a beautiful rural landscape which includes historic sites of farming, industry and religion starting at Cherry Tree in Blackburn. Crossing the Leeds & Liverpool canal the route takes you under the M65 and up through Abbey Village where you can stop for a well earned rest at the Hare & Hounds pub before continuing past Roddlesworth Reservoir and on towards Tockholes. The trail finally takes you back to the start point via Higher Whitehalgh and Broken Stone Road.
The Tacklers Trail (9.5 miles)
This part of The Witton Weavers Way is our most local section with a starting point at Sunnyhurst Woods Visitor Centre. The Tacklers Trail, which is the longest of the four trails which make up the full Way, takes in surrounding moorland and woodland. The first section takes you through Sunnyhurst Woods before heading up the steps near Earnsdale Reservoir towards Roddlesworth Upper Reservoir in Tockholes. The route allows you to visit the ruins of Hollins Head Hall, Higher Pasture Barn and Top O'Th' Brow before making your way back across the Darwen Moor.
Once you pass Lord's Hall you make your way across the moors to Darwen Tower before finally dropping down back towards Sunnyhurst Woods where you can stop and rest at Sunnyhurst Pub.
The Warpers Trail (8.5 miles)
The final leg of the Witton Weavers Way combines modern & ancient history, water and wildlife over a distance of 13.5 km. The trail takes you past Entwistle and Wayoh Reservoirs on the outskirts of Darwen & Bolton allowing you to take in views of Turton Tower before heading across to Jumbles and Turton Bottoms where you will begin turning back towards the starting point. Following the outline of Wayoh Reservoir you drop down past the Strawberry Duck where you may rest your feet before completing the final stretch to Batridge Barn car park.
Next time you're out on the moors take a look for signs like the one pictured above confirming you are on part of the Witton Weavers Way. If you would like to explore The Way please visit this site for more information including maps etc.
Whenever you are out walking please remember the country code:
- Be safe - plan ahead and follow signs
- Protect plants and animals - take your litter home
- Consider other people
- Keep dogs under control
- Leave gates as you find them
The Witton Weavers Way
just completed the final walk of the series today! we have done it as a group of work friends over the winter months dec,jan,feb,march. enjoyed each one in its own right. the first one was done in ice and snow and the warpers in bright sunshine today (1/3/11)
ReplyDelete