-
- 1. A map of the walk
-
- 2. The start for this walk is the Sunnyhurst Pub. Cross the road and take the path in front of the cottages on the route leading up to Darwen Tower. The path is steep and uneven and can at times be rather wet
-
- 3. The route to Darwen Tower
-
- 4. Start of the path to Bold Venture Park and the path coming up from the Sunnyhurst Pub
-
- 5. At the start of the walk the path is well defined but narrow
-
- 6. At this point there isn’t much to see but the views later are worth the wait
-
- 7. After passing through the trees the first feature of the walk comes into view. These properties are at Higher Sunnyhurst
-
- 8. The path is wider here and easier under foot
-
- 9. A quick glance over the wall reveals what looks like an old courtyard with a clear view across the golf course and beyond
-
- 10. Passing the properties on your left the path then curves away towards some trees
-
- 11. Looking back from the barn you get a good view of some impressive residences
-
- 12. The next section of the path is very narrow and well overgrown. If you are wearing shorts beware – nettles and brambles
-
- 13. However, the view opens up and is quite stunning
-
- 14. The area is surrounded by wonderful greenery and provides a quiet and pleasant backdrop to your walk
-
- 15. Back to the path though and watch those brambles
-
- 16. Next you come to a stile which you need to skirt around because it is in such poor condition. It does have the first indication that this is a public footpath though
-
- 17. This is now part of the Knowl Heights Plantation and is a pleasant area to pass through
-
- 18. There are some ancient trees up here. Can you see a gnarled face or is it just me?
-
- 19. Another stile which is not safe to use followed by more dappled sunlight through the trees
-
- 20. This is a narrow part of the plantation and every now and again you are so close to the edge that the view opens up
-
- 21. Still on the curve of the hill which looks to the North. Below you are at the back of the houses on Tockholes Road
-
- 22. One final stile to get through but if you thought that was all -this one also has a fallen tree on the other side
-
- 23. I went underneath which is a bit of a tight squeeze – you must decide for yourself what is best. Perhaps take a chain saw
-
- 24. A clear route ahead now with no more stiles
-
- 25. A different vista opens up now as you start to move around the hill
-
- 26. Now you have arrived at Higher Wood Head and pass the farm around the back
-
- 27. Looking back at Higher Wood Head
-
- 28. The view to your right and Knowl Heights Plantation
-
- 29. There are steps down to the roadway at the end of this part of the path. Take care – the bottom two steps have been washed out. At the bottom of the steps turn right to walk up the lane
-
- 30. As you walk up the hill from Higher Wood Head you will arrive at a spot where a path seems to go through the trees. This takes you to Kelvin Street and Punstock. Ignore this path and continue up the hill
-
- 31. Still on a recognised footpath but the marker is on the floor under the trees
-
- 32. Continue up the hill towards the entrance to the former quarry
-
- 33. As you reach the quarry entrance the view opens up again and now you are looking East and South having come right around the hill. The Heritage Centre roof can be seen just in front of St Peter’s Church
-
- 34. The impressive Darwin Aldridge Community Academy takes the centre of this photo
-
- 35. The equally impressive India Mill with its iconic chimney takes centre stage here
-
- 36. Behind you is the less than impressive phone mast – thank goodness for trees
-
- 37. The entrance to the quarry is reached at the top of the path and is now private. Continue on the path to the left
-
- 38. A first sight of Bold Venture Park over the top of the houses on Manor Road with the horses enjoying the sunshine in the fields of the foreground
-
- 39. This allotment with its polytunnels will be passed on your right as you continue towards Pinfold Cottages
-
- 40. The first sight of Pinfold Cottages which are now hidden behind the foliage of the numerous trees growing. In years gone by the cottages were in clear view from way back down the path
-
- 41. A selection of grinding wheels at the start of Turn Lane. If you wish to return to Sunnyhurst without retracing your steps, then you can follow Turn Lane to arrive back at the quarry which is just above the start of the path we have followed
-
- 42. Pinfold Cottages
-
- 43. The last of the Pinfold Cottages is Robin Hood Cottage. Another picturesque part of Darwen
-
- 44. Leaving Pinfold Cottages behind, the last leg of the walk is on a wide path which you stay on until reaching a made up road
-
- 45. You will pass the footpath sign on your left for the path which leads down Punstock Lane to Punstock Road
-
- 46. Opposite Punstock Lane is Sniddle Hill Lane. Ignore both of these paths and continue beyond them
-
- 47. Almost at your destination as the houses come into view
-
- 48. Glancing over the wall to your left across the field you can see Holly Bank
-
- 49. Following the path as it bends to your right you end up on Westland Avenue and Bold Venture Park is at the bottom of this road
-
- 50. The gate into the Park is just across the road at the bottom of Westland Avenue. For those who want to go further, you should turn right at this point and follow the road around the Park until you reach the gates to the top Park. From there you can follow the walk from Bold Venture Park over to Whitehall Park
Please click the button to return to The Walks Home Page