Darwen Tower (Saturday UTUP)

With apparently everyone except me heading to the Lakes to support or at least encourage Albert on his Joss, I expected to be the only one in the car park ready for a run. However, I was wrong as JR had also turned up. After waiting a couple of minutes in case Colin or TYC arrived, I suggested we head for Darwen Tower, with a positive response from JR. We set off in light drizzle which then dried off. Usual outward route via Ammunition Corner then Lower Hempshaw's then the diagonal path to Spittlers. We had no problem in finding he path off towards Piccadilly although it soon disappeared which left us wondering if it was the correct path - it soon reappeared as did the rain so we were quite cold and wet by the time we reached the road. The woodland track to Tockholes Road offered some respite before we were open to the elements on the climb up to Darwen Moor : at least that section is always runnable so you can get some speed for warmth.
Arriving at the tower after about 1hr 43, JR suggested an alternate route back which would likely give more protection from the elements. This involved continuing in the direction of Sunnyhurst then heading up Donkey Drop? picking up part of the Tockholes Fell Race route then crossing the road and running through Tockholes Plantation (as shown below) and up to Slipper Lowe then back to the road.

For variety, the return route came back via Great Hill. By now the weather had brightened up and we were running in a drying wind. The next route choice was to head for Round Loaf from which we took the path off hoping to arrive at the Bomber Memorial. I've only been on that route once before, walking it in the opposite direction a few months ago. At times I doubted whether I was navigating correctly but in fact it was perfect. Thence back by our usual route, which was new to JR.

Despite the weather, a cracking morning's run - 16 miles with close on 4000 feet of ascent in 3hrs 44, average speed 4.3mph - my longest run of the year by far with no after effects so looking forward to next weekend.

Right-click links to download gpx and tcx files of the garmin data.