Burnley’s Panopticon, ‘Singing Ringing Tree’, designed by Tonkin Liu, is a unique musical sculpture which overlooks Burnley from its position high above the town on Crown Point.
Constructed from pipes of galvanised steel stacked in layers, this Panopticon takes the form of a tree bending to the winds and harnesses the energy of those winds to produce a low, tuneful song. In June 2007, Singing Ringing Tree was named winner of a National Award for architectural excellence by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
‘Singing Ringing Tree’ is close to the Dunnockshaw Millennium Wood, part of the Forest of Burnley reforestation programme, and links to the Pennine Bridleway and local walking routes. Many native tree and bird species are to be observed.
The site offers a spectacular panorama of East Lancashire: to the north, a wonderful view of Pendle Hill; to the east, a glimpse of the Cliviger wind turbines on the Yorkshire border; and in between, a panoramic overview of the town of Burnley, with the famous Turf Moor football stadium at its centre. On a clear day you can see the Bowland Fells, Pendle, Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent and Great Whernside.
The site has won various awards since its construction:-
- British Landmark for the 21st century, The Independent 2015
- Structural Steel Design Awards Certificate of Merit 2008
- Shortlisted, Stephen Lawrence Award 2007
- RIBA National Award 2007
- RIBA northwest award 2007
From there a walk down the ghyll to join the Bacup Road for only a few yards and then onward on the Pennine Bridle Way towards Todmorden following the River Calder on the left.
Then turning right towards Monk’s House Ride through Buckley Wood – a steep stepped route that needs treating with respect as its gradient is a little deceptive.
Once through the wood it’s back onto the open moorland heading to Thieveley Pike, still climbing.
Turning right at Thieveley Pike the route along a grassy stretch of track towards the A671 (Bacup Road) takes about 20 minutes.
At this point there is a T- junction close by after a few minutes walk to the left. Cross the road and then start a walk along Crown Point Road back to Crown Point.
All in all a really good stroll around the moors you could even add on the Clow Bridge Reservoir if you wanted to make a picturesque detour back up to Crown Point by joining the path on the left just after starting up Crown Point Road.
Never been walking out in this part of Lancashire but, rest assured, I will be back.
