Old Aggie’s, Darwen Moor.

A long time ago, when I was in the Scouts we once walked up to Darwen Tower and then down Step Back Hill and then on to somewhere else.  Located at the bottom of the very steep hill are the remains of Old Aggie’s house.  I always remembered it being there, but was unsure how to find it again.

A recent trip out with work colleagues to the Tower took us past the top of Step Back Hill and reminded me about Old Aggie’s again and made me determined to find it.

Fortunately it can be clearly seen on Google Earth.

There are two ways to find it (see zoomable map below).

1. Start at Bold Venture Park and walk up to Darwen Tower and follow the path past the tower.  This will bring you to the top of Step Back Hill.  This route is only for mountain goats and people who are steady on their feet.  Step Back Hill is STEEP and tricky under foot.  Take the long way round as it won’t be as steep, but still tricky underfoot.
2. Start at the car park at Sunnyhurst (top of Tockholes Road) and follow the tarmac/gravel path to Old Aggie’s.  This is much more level, but you still need to do some climbing of steps to find the actual place.

The Legend

So what’s it all about.  Details about Old Aggie are very sketchy at best.  The story goes that she lived in this house in the 1850’s and one night, some time in 1860, was apparently murdered by thieves who stole some some money. The thieves were caught and hung for the crime, but Old Aggie may still have been alive up to a year later.

It was later a tea room before falling in to disrepair.

Do you know more details, or know of references in books?  Please let me know if you do.

References:

http://www.lancashirelife.co.uk/out-about/walks/lancashire-walk-wishing-well-and-darwen-tower-from-tockholes-1-4106008

http://www.westpennineway.org/roddlesworth-to-clough-head/

DISCLAIMER:

These maps are intended only as a guide. You should not use these maps for navigational purposes. You are advised to take appropriate clothing, footwear, equipment and navigational materials with you according to the current and possible weather and nature of the terrain. Some sections may be very strenuous. Distances are approximate. Neither CactusCorner, or owner of this site, accept any liability for persons using these maps.