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I hadn’t been to the woods near the village of Tockholes for some months, so I decided it was about time to remedy things. Unfortunately I choose a rather wet afternoon, just as well I had my waterproofs with me.


After parking the car in the car park at Roddlesworth Information Centre, not far from the village of Tockholes, the dogs and I made our way across the road to the Tockholes plantations. On this occasion, rather than take the footpath across the road from the Royal Arms inn, I crossed to the path to the left of the car park.


The main path goes downhill to the river, but I decided to take the less used dirt path off to the left. This stays fairly close to the wall on its way to the car park at Slipper Lowe.


A quick glance to the left gives a view across Darwen Moor to the Jubilee Tower (also called Darwen Tower).


This path can be rather muddy during periods of wet weather, but it nevertheless is a very pleasant walk, crossing the occasional stream on its way.


Eventually we reached the car park at Slipper Lowe.


Leaving the car park, but before reaching the road, we went through the gate on the right and took the path that continued close to the wall.


Just after joining the path there is an exit over the wall that allows you to cross the road, for those who might like to take a detour onto Darwen Moor.


However, we continued on along the path that was to take us to Hollinshead Hall.


From the Slipper Lowe car park it is only a short, but very pleasant walk to the ruins of Hollinshead Hall.


Here is a short video giving a panoramic view of the area once occupied by Hollinshead Hall. As ever, one of my dogs has to get into shot – Brett this time. Perhaps I should get them actor’s Equity cards.


At the present time the only building left intact is the Well House. Perhaps on another visit I will have the time to take some pictures showing the remains of the various other buildings.


After a short stop to have a coffee from my flask it was time to make our way back to our starting point. So we set off up the path towards Slipper Lowe.


Just before reaching the path where to car park to Slipper Lowe car park branches off to the right (at the top of the hill) we took a sharp left to take a short detour before rejoining the path again on its way downhill.


Here, just as we reached the gate, we took the dirt path on the right for a short meander through the woods.


At this point the path comes out of the woods onto a small heath before rejoining the main path again.


On reaching the main path we turned left and continued downhill to meet the River Roddlesworth at a junction with several other paths.


From the bridge over the river I took this picture, showing the view upstream. The path we had just descended can be seen in the left of the picture.


From the bridge we went through the gate to follow the path for a gentle stroll alongside the river.


Just a few yards from the gate is this tiny waterfall emptying a stream into the river.


Here is a short video of the waterfall. Of course, once again, Brett and Sam can’t resist getting into the act.


From here it is a delightfull stroll following the river downstream.


At this point our path crossed over the river to begin a long (and for me a breath taking) climb back to the Roddlesworth Information Centre. Unfortunately, at this point the battery in my camera ran out and I was unable to take any pictures of my faltering ascent. Better luck next time.