Rivington Pike: A walk through the terraced gardens

What is covered in this article

• Where is Rivington Pike?
• Why choose this route?
• Travelling to Rivington Pike
• Facilities
• What kit will I need?
• How difficult is this route?
• Route description
• Where is good for food and drink?

Where is Rivington Pike?

Rivington Pike is a well known hill in Lancashire. Situated on Winter Hill it offers a variety of walking routes and makes up part of the West Pennine Moors at Rivington.

Why choose this route?

This route begins next to Rivington and Blackrod school on Rivington Lane and is moderate in difficulty. There are a few steep parts but nothing too difficult and you are rewarded with some of the best views in the North West.

The route takes you through Rivington Terraced Gardens which is the most popular route to Rivington Pike, showcasing stunning scenery including the Japanese Lake before leading you to the summit.

Travelling to Rivington Pike

Travelling by car Rivington Pike is located off the M61 with the nearest towns being Adlington and Horwich. There is parking available along the roadside near the school or you can park up at Rivington Hall Barn.

The closest train station is Blackrod which is approximately 20 minutes walk from the start of this route.

Facilities

Facilities are very few for this route, other than Rivington Hall Barn the only toilet facilities locally are pubs which are several minutes walk from the start of this route. Along the way there is nothing available.

What kit will I need?

This walk is fairly short and follows footpaths through the gardens up to Rivington Pike. Walking boots are always a good shout whenever venturing into the hills. A day-pack with any additional clothing and refreshments is also advisable.

As always you should check the weather forecast to ensure you have the correct gear with you such as waterproofs.

How difficult is this route?

The route is fairly easy to complete. Depending on your fitness levels this walk is easily achievable within 2-2.5 hours.

Route Description

• Starting out on Roynton Road just follow the road straight up. Shortly you will reach a fork with a metal gate to the left. Ignore this gate and go straight ahead.
• The road turns to cobbles and continues towards the Japanese Lake.
• Before then there is an access gate to the left which is sign posted as Rivington Gardens. We took this route through the woodland.

The Japanese Gardens

• The path winds round slightly and you cross over a bridge. Further along there are some steps that lead to a finger post.
• Follow the direction towards the Japanese Lake. After about five minutes you will reach a stone archway.
• Head through the archway and you will find yourself at the Japanese Lake.

The Kitchen Gardens

• Walk around the lake and up the steps to the right.
• You are now in the Kitchen Gardens. Spend a few minutes reading the information board here to understand how much of a mystery these gardens remain.
• Continue across the ‘Tennis Lawn’ and up the steps which will lead you towards the HPR site office.

Rivington Pike Tower

• At the HPR site office you will be able to see Rivington Pike Tower.
• Go through the gate and follow the path upwards towards the tower. A short walk will see you reach the tower and be rewarded with some of the best views in the North West (weather depending).
• There are benches if you fancy a sit down or have brought some snacks with you.

A rural descent

• There are several ways to make your way back down or even extend the walk further if you prefer. This route follows the path down through a working farm.
• From the tower follow the path down and cross at Belmont Road, going through the gate onto a working farm. Please be aware if you have a dog with you to keep it on a lead as there are live cattle grazing.
• The route will bring you back around to Roynton Road, close to the school and the start of the walk.

Where’s good for food and drink?

There are several pubs close to the start of this walk such as The Old Original Bay Horse or The Crown. If you are looking for more of a restaurant vibe The Cherry Tree in Blackrod is only a few minutes away by car.

Voted Bolton’s best restaurant in 2020 The Cherry Tree offers an impressive menu including a selection of garlic bread & nibbles starting from £6.95.

Main courses range from roasted chicken & pulled ham hock pot pie, truffled buttered greens with bacon, hand cut chips (£14.95) to Malaysian duck & sweet potato curry, pan seared breast, confit leg, sticky coconut rice, braised pak-choi, chilli sambal, crispy prawn crackers (£24.95).

If pizza is your thing you can’t go wrong with one of the hand stretched sour dough options starting from £11.95 for a classic cheese and tomato Margherita.

There is also an impressive dessert menu which includes classic favourites such as sticky toffee pudding (£7.50), white chocolate and strawberry cheesecake (£7.95) as well as offering a range of dessert cocktails.