Keep safe!

Keep safe!
You are responsible for your own safety and that of your dog. The walks listed in this blog are not detailed guides. Plan your route! Click the landrover image for safety advice from Bowland Pennine MRT.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

A winter walk on Darwen Moor

There's nothing better than being out on the moors with the dog after a fresh snowfall. Especially if we're up an out early, with ours the first foot and paw prints of the day.

Yesterday saw the first snowfall of any significance to hit Lancashire this year and although nothing had really settled in Preston I knew we'd stand a good chance of a snowy walk on the West Pennine Moors.

It was just turning light when we arrived at our usual parking spot, the United Utilities car park between Abbey Village and Belmont, by the turn to Tockholes.

Our walk followed one of our regular routes up on to Darwen Moor where small streams of icy meltwater carved their way down the bridleway. On reaching the top we headed towards Darwen Tower, although low cloud initially any chance of a view. the dog was well happy chasing snowballs, wrapped up in the waterproof jacket that is reserved solely for days like today (particularly has he had a very short clip last week!)

As we neared the Tower the clouds lifted, giving fine views to the east and revealing a band of 'blackness' moving slowly over Preston. Unsure whether we were in for torrential rain or heavy snow we continued along the ridge before starting the descent down Lyons Den to Roddlesworth. Within five minutes we were in blizzard conditions but sure of our route and relatively close to the road there was still time for a photo opportunity!

By the time we reached the woods the snow had passed and we were soon back at the car, refreshed and very satisfied with our first snowy walk of the season.

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