Grab your big coat, round up the family and venture out on a traditional Boxing Day Walk
A walk up Darwen Tower in Lancashire offers incredible views of the surrounding moorland (Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
While Christmas Day has its long-held traditions which have been cemented over the decades, Boxing Day is a bit more flexible with its rituals. Every household does something a bit different.
Some will tuck into a buffet of cold cuts and leftovers, others will indulge in turkey curry. There may be families who head to relatives for a second Christmas dinner, while bargain-hunters will shun being at home altogether and will head to the Trafford Centre instead for the sales.
There is one tradition which many of us will honour each year on December 26, however, and that’s going for a Boxing Day walk. A good walk can help shake off all the grogginess of tucking into all those mince pies and pigs in blankets, and help you build up an appetite for more treats later on.
It’s also a chance to bring the family together and spend some time away from screens both big and small. Even in the depths of winter, the landscapes we have on our doorstep can still be beautiful, particularly if there’s been frost and it’s a clear day.
The tower was completed in 1898(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
Head over the border into Lancashire and you’ll find some amazing walks, including this one which is perfect for Boxing Day. Located in the West Pennine Moors, Darwen Tower offers breathtaking views and on a clear day you can even see as far as Blackpool Tower, Cumbria and North Wales.
Perched above the town of its namesake, the tower itself was completed in 1898 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee to Queen Victoria. It stands at just under 26m high and can be seen from miles around.
You can actually climb to the top of the tower for even better views with the Isle of Man visible on clear days. It’s free to go inside and a spiral staircase takes you to the top.
You can climb to the top of the tower(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
One of the most straightforward walks to Darwen tower is two miles long and takes around one and a half hours to complete. The route begins at Sunnyhurst Wood Lychgate car park on the outskirts of Darwen.
The circular route loops past Waterman’s Cottage and Higher Wenshead Farm, before taking you up the hillside. Along the way you’ll pass the remains of Stepback Cottage, better known as Owd Aggies. You’ll notice stone markers on the route so you’ll know you’re on the right path.
The views from the tower(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
Turning left at the bench which overlooks Stepback Clough, you’ll continue towards Darwen Tower, with Sunnyhurst Hey Reservoir to your left. Eventually you’ll reach the tower, and after spending some time there soaking up the views, retrace your steps down the hill to the Ordnance Survey triangulation point. Take the path on the right and at the next junction carry straight ahead down the broad path.
After passing through a farm gate and following the track down, you’ll notice the path splits into two. Take the fork to the left and you’ll reach the carpark again.
As the moors are exposed it’s important to check the weather before you head out on your walk. Make sure you’ve got the right gear such as walking boots, waterproofs and warm clothing. Sunnyhurst Woods Car Park is free to use.
9 Sunnyhurst, Darwen, BB3 1JX
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