A New Year’s walk up to Darwen’s Jubilee Tower has become a tradition. I’ve been a little under the weather over the holidays (just a nasty cold), so when we finally took the plunge, it felt extra-good to brave the fresh, winter air and get out for some exercise.
Darwen Tower may look warm under the glow of late afternoon sun, but anyone who has ever made the climb will vouch for the wind chill factor up there, even on a summer’s day. Few people venture round to the back, where the wind is most blustery, so I was able to get this shot of the place looking deserted.
It was far from that. You can never walk to the tower without being part of a steady stream of climbers of all ages, travelling at various speeds from an all out, easy run to the grimmest of slow trudges, passing each other on the way up or down, offering an encouraging smile, a “hiya!” or a nod of greeting.
As many of the people reading this will never travel this way, let alone make the climb, I’m sharing a view from near the summit. From here, on a clear day, you can see Blackpool Tower – the Fylde Coast’s answer to the Eiffel Tower. But it was the frozen, slippery paths that demanded our attention, assuming neither of us wanted a twisted ankle to add to our lingering coughs and sniffles.
On the way down, after crouching to take a few pictures of frosted ferns and leaves, spending a few extra moments to keep my hands as steady as I could despite the cold, I discovered a couple waiting to ask what was so fascinating. I was slightly abashed to confess my treasure was simple old leaves, painted by the frost.
The light was doing its own embellishment too, turning these artfully shrivelled beech leaves into natural lampshades.
As the dark started to fall, we were glad to get a call from Mum, tempting us to call over for a feast of her famous, twice-baked potatoes with leeks and cheese – one of my favourite comfort foods. I ate mine too quickly to take a picture, so you’ll have to take my word for it how good they were.
Susan Rushton 
What a lovely hike. I will have to do a little search on Darwen Tower. Gorgeous photos, I love those crisp, sunny, winter days.
I smiled to see that Google places Darwen Tower and Jubilee Tower in slightly different places on the moor, although it’s the same one! Luckily, you can’t miss it.
I love the frosted foliage.
Me too! I was looking at some macro photos of snowflakes the other day and wishing I had the equipment to get in close enough to do that, but perhaps this is the next best thing.
This looks beautiful, I’ve never heard of Darwen Tower, I’ll have to investigate too 🙂
Unlike many similar ones, it has an internal staircase so you can climb to the top, although the stone steps are dark and uneven in places – and the wind even more bracing.
Would love to know the history of the place. So interesting
Wintry walks can be the best ones of all. It sounds wonderful.
I agree – it was lovely to be out.
It is always so good to get outdoors in winter to shake off the blues. Blue sky, sunshine and lovely countryside views – what could be better? (… a jacket potato at the end 🙂 )
The perfect medicine, I’d say!
Oh, my gosh! What a view! And the frosted foliage is lovely. After the cold walk, I bet those twice-baked potatoes were delicious.
They were very welcome indeed.
I really like the way the frost makes the different shapes of the plants jump out.
You’re right, it’s like a highlighter pen, picking out the veining and the edges.
Wonderful photos and very enjoyable narrative.
Thanks, David. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Your plants look like sugar covered confections but I know ’tis not so. Hope the cold doesn’t put you off doing some more photography like this.
Sugar coated is the perfect description, though if you were to put your tongue to the frost, you’d soon spot the difference!
I just love these pics!! Would it be ok if I saved the first one of the frosted plants for my art and drawing stuffs? This may even work well for my punch needle – great details!!
Yes, that’s fine. Thanks for asking!
Great photos, I love the frosted foliage in the first shot and the view over the countryside is fabulous. Darwen Tower is one I haven’t been to yet in spite of it not being that far from home, but I’m going to try to get there this year, maybe combining it with a walk through Sunnyhurst Woods 🙂
That would work!
Well, that view from the tower is fabulous, and the twice-baked potatoes sound divine.
I love jacket potatoes of almost any description, but Mother’s are especially tasty.