AT last, a warm spring day, so I decided to enjoy one of my favourite strolls and a burst of song.

Willow warblers had returned from Africa and I saw my first swallow of the year. There is an old song called ‘Spring will be a little late this year’ and it certainly was.

Getting there: About five miles south of junction three of the M65 on the A675 towards Bolton, turn towards Tockholes. It is also well signed off the A666. There is plenty of parking between the Royal Arms and Information Centre.

The walk: From the car park look up to see Darwen Tower perched on the top of the moor. To me it looks just like a space ship ready for take off! It was built in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

Cross the road and pass through a kissing gate. The wide track bears left and descends through trees.

Now the spring has finally decided to arrive it is possible to look up to see the birds and down to see a profusion of wild flowers.

Descend to Halliwell Fold and bridge an area which looks at its very best when the bluebells are in flower. Take time to search among the undergrowth to find the ruins of the old mill workers houses.

Also look out for old quarries that were so important when Blackburn and Darwen were becdoming built up. Huge slabs were cut to make street pavements. Some of these paving stones can be seen around the bridge and the track leading up to Hollinshead Hall.

Climb a gentle slope keeping the stream on the right. Continue for about half a mile.

Take a slight diversion to reach Hollinshead Hall which is a place to linger. Although only the foundation of the hall remain the Old Well House is well preserved.

This was built around a spring of water which was said to be a holy place in Celtic times long before the Romans or the Normans came. It is said to contain minerals which were once used to cure eye complaints and attracted lots of pilgrims.

Retrace your steps to Halliwell Fold Bridge. Cross the bridge and turn right. Pass through extensive woodlands full of wildlife.

Approach a bridge over a stream. Cross this and turn left leading to a reservoir ideal for birdwatching.

The Roddlesworth reservoirs were constructed in the 1860s to provide essential water for the expanding Lancashire cotton towns and for the even faster growing city of Liverpool.

From the upper Reservoir stroll along the obvious track through the Tockholes Plantation and back to the starting point.