A visit to the Singing Ringing Tree is a quintessential Lancashire experience. It is one of the four Panopticons designed to give a fresh perspective on the East Lancashire landscape, and it certainly delivers on that promise.
| At A Glance: Singing Ringing Tree | |
| Location | Crown Point, Burnley, BB11 3QZ |
| Entry Fee | Completely free to visit! |
| Parking | Small free car park on Crown Point Road |
| Best Time | A windy day is essential to hear the music |
My Trip to the Singing Ringing Tree
There are few places in the North West that feel quite as otherworldly as the summit of Crown Point. I decided to make the trip up on a particularly blustery afternoon.
If you are going to see a musical sculpture powered entirely by the wind, you really need a bit of a gale to get the full effect.
As I pulled into the small car park on Crown Point Road, the views were already impressive. You can see right across the town towards Pendle Hill, which looks remarkably grand from this elevation.
The walk from the car park to the sculpture itself is only about a quarter of a mile, but the exposure to the elements makes it feel like a proper little adventure.
The Sound of the Pipes
The Singing Ringing Tree is a three-metre tall structure made from layers of galvanised steel pipes. It is designed to look like a tree bent by the prevailing winds, but the real magic is in the sound.
As I approached, I could hear a low, haunting hum that gradually grew into a choral melody. I found that standing directly underneath the structure is the best way to experience it.
The pipes are tuned so that they produce different notes depending on the strength of the gusts. It is a strange, slightly discordant sound that feels perfectly suited to the wild moorland surroundings.
I spent about twenty minutes just listening to the shifting tones as the clouds raced overhead. It sounded at times like the low drone of a didgeridoo.
As the wind picked up the only way I can describe the sound is the kind of mood music you hear in a horror movie to represent dread or impending doom.
Being out in the open space with that droning choir is like hearing the souls of yesteryear speaking to you.
If you visit on a clear, still day, the view is gorgeous, but you are missing out on the real point of the sculpture. It is meant to make you feel, and for me, mission accomplished.
Taking in the Panoramic Views
The term ‘Panopticon’ means a structure that provides a comprehensive view, and this site definitely lives up to the name.
On a clear day, the panorama is staggering. I could easily pick out the Cliviger wind turbines to the east and the sprawling hills of the South Pennines.
It is a fantastic spot for photography, as the metallic sheen of the sculpture provides a great contrast against the green and brown hues of the moor.
I noticed a new etched stainless steel panorama has been installed recently. This is a brilliant addition as it helps you identify the various landmarks visible on the horizon.
It makes the visit feel a bit more interactive, especially if you are not entirely familiar with the local geography.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you are planning to go, my biggest piece of advice is to wrap up warm. Even on a relatively mild day, the wind at Crown Point can be incredibly sharp.
I wore a proper windproof jacket and was glad of it. The path from the car park is a simple gravel track, but it can be a bit uneven in places, so sturdy boots or trainers are a good choice.
I slipped a few times on the uneven ground, so I would be reluctant to recommend it to anyone with accessibility needs. There are no toilets or cafes at the site, so it is worth bringing a flask of tea and some snacks.
I found a nice bench near the sculpture where I could sit and enjoy the view for a while before the cold finally got the better of me.
If you fancy a longer walk, the Burnley Way passes right by the sculpture and offers plenty of routes down towards Towneley Park.
Final Thoughts
A visit to the Singing Ringing Tree is a great way to spend an hour or so in the fresh air. It is a unique blend of art and nature that you simply will not find anywhere else.
The haunting music and the vast views make it one of my favourite spots in Lancashire. If you have not been yet, I highly recommend checking the weather forecast for a windy day and making the trip up to Crown Point.
It is not often I suggest that a windy day might be a good day!
