VALE Royal and Knutsford Ramblers enjoyed a coach trip to Darwen on April 27.

Thirty cheery souls joined the coach early on a fine Sunday morning.

Stuart Gardiner’s A party alighted first at Egerton and went over Smithills Moor to Winter Hill.

They then went on to Great Hill, Tockholes plantation and Darwen tower, before descending after 14 miles to Darwen with 2,300ft of ascent.

The other groups did circular walks from Darwen.

Steve Thomas took the B group to Darwen tower and over moorland to Turton and Entwistle reservoir.

They returned via field paths, after 11 miles, with 1,700ft of ascent.

Jenny Southern and the C group followed to Darwen Tower and took a different moorland route, before descending to Hollinshead Hall.

They returned through Tockholes plantation and Sunnyhurst Wood, after 10 miles and 1,200ft of ascent.

There was no D party on this trip.

The day was dry and mostly sunny and everyone converged on The Old Chapel for refreshments and post-walk merriment, before a 5pm departure.

Steve Thomas