Members Present: Dave Wylie, Andrew Croughton, Lester Payne, Margaret Williams, Frank Williams, Pete Walker, Iain McCallum, Phil Ramsbottom

Guests: Fiona Roy, Trevor Lilley, Richard Walker, Zoë Talks, Martin Heeton

Foot and Mouth put paid to the Real Three Peaks meet but it was ironic that access would have been available to the modern day three peaks (yuk).

Instead we assembled in the rain at Rivington to do as much of the Three Towers as Blackburn council would allow. The first three or four hours were spent in something approaching misery as we passed Rivington Tower and climbed up into the low cloud which was hanging over Winter Hill - not that this stopped the chatter as many subjects were dissected ad infinitum.

In view of the weather I decided to cut out a chunk of the walk and follow the track above Belmont reservoir, lunch was taken in the modern ruin of Lower Pasture Farm where an open building gave some shelter from the steady drizzle, when we stepped out we were pleasantly surprised to discover that the sky was lightening and the rain had stopped.

This improvement continued up to Darwen Tower by which time the sun was making a bid in the distance so we all enjoyed the extensive views - especially to Holcombe Tower as we didn't have to walk there. From here we dropped down to the visitor center at Tockholes (mild panic ensued when we noticed that we had lost Fiona and Trevor but I didn't need to worry as Pete Walker had them safely tucked under his wing).

Great Hill was the next objective and we were pleased to discover that we could get to the summit (unlike my recce the previous week), from here we followed the flag path back towards Winter Hill, then the track back to the Pigeon Tower at Rivington. This really was the highlight of the day as the rain had cleared the air, the sun was shining and we had clear views from the Mountains of North Wales to those of the Lake District, all the rain and drizzle were forgotten as we picked out many landmarks.

Many thanks to all who turned out with Fiona and Trevor deserving special credit - it was not an easy walk and they finished in fine style - even claiming to have enjoyed it!!

The original plan to do the Yorkshire Three Peaks has had to be abandoned, with new outbreaks of of Foot and Mouth near Settle ensuring that the area will remain closed for some time to come.

As an alternative I thought that the Three Towers would be suitable (i.e. Rivington, Darwen and Holcombe). Unfortunately Blackburn Council have other ideas and Holcombe Tower cannot be reached from the West without paying a £5000 fine.

After some exploration and a chat with our local resident (Thanks, Keith) I think I can put together an interesting route to the first two towers followed by a return over Great Hill. This should give around fifteen miles, shorter routes will be possible if the weather is too hot(??) or wet.

Meet at 9:15 for a 9:30 start at the road leading up to Rivington Hall Barn (grid ref SD 628139) where there is plenty of parking. (From the South take the M61 to junction 6, follow the A6027 towards Horwich, turn left on the A673 for just under 2 miles to a roundabout, turn right about 50 yards past the roundabout - watch for two grey granite posts which are completely out of place and go between them, follow this for one and a half miles then turn right at the brown signs).