A regular local walk of ours that comprises two of Burnley’s most scenic sights – Clowbridge Reservoir and the iconic Singing Ringing Tree.
The circular loop starts by guiding you around the glistening waters of Clowbridge, followed by a mild incline through the surrounding moorlands leading all the way up to Crown Point; the home of The Singing Ringing Tree.
After admiring the melodious sculpture along with the striking landscape from above, the walk then guides you back down through the countryside and loops along the opposite end of the reservoir before finishing at the car park.
Coming in at just 5.5 miles in length and having well-laid out paths throughout, the peaceful stroll is non-strenuous and suitable for pretty much all walking abilities.
Singing Ringing Tree Walk – Route Info
Route Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 8.9km (5.5 miles)
Route Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours
Start and Finish Point: Clowbridge Reservoir Car Park, Burnley, BB11 5P
Step-by-step guide
- Start the walk around Clowbridge reservoir until you reach the Memorial Forest.
- Make your way through the forest and into Dunnockshaw Community Woodland.
- Follow the path out of of the woodland until you reach Crown Point Road. Cross the road and take the immediate trail to your right; following the path all the way up to the Singing Ringing Tree.
- Admire the gorgeous views before heading back down the same way, looping around the opposite side of Clowbridge reservoir before reaching the car park.
Clowbridge Reservoir
Address: Clowbridge Reservoir Car Park, Burnley, BB11 5P
Located in the countryside of Dunnockshaw – just adjacent to the Burnley Millennium Forest – resides the picturesque Clowbridge Reservoir.
Built in 1866 which resulted in the de-population of the historic Gambleside village, the reservoir today is enjoyed by both walkers and water sport enthusiasts alike.
With a flat and easy-to-follow footpath that circles around the sparkling body of water, keep your eyes peeled for sailors, windsurfers and fishermen all dotted throughout.
The standard route just around the reservoir is a relaxing 3-kilometre stroll, but for those fancying a longer walk, there are numerous off-shoot trails which divert into the nearby community woodlands and uplands – one of those being the trail to The Singing Ringing Tree.
The Singing Ringing Tree
Address: Crown Point Rd, Burnley BB11 3RL
First constructed in 2006, The Singing Ringing Tree continues to attract visitors from far and wide.
With YouTube videos of the sculpture amassing over 5 million views, the tree has captured global imagination due of its otherworldly appearance and eerie melodic echoes.
Fun fact – Did you know a second singing ringing tree was constructed in Texas, USA? And a third in Saudi Arabia?
Anna Liu of Tonkin Liu – architects of The Singing Ringing Tree – states the tree was designed to turn the wind into music and make something positive out of the windy Lancashire weather which is so often complained about.
Located high above Burnley on the hills of Crown Point, the countryside views from up top are absolutely gorgeous.
For more info, be sure to check out our detailed blog post on The Singing Ringing Tree here!
Likewise, for more great walks in the local area, have a trawl through our lists of walks around Burnley & Lancashire!
Happy walking 🚶🚶
