WINTER HILL AND RIVINGTON PIKE CIRCULAR

Enjoy this short ascent up to two iconic Lancashire landmarks

Start: Rivington Hall Car Park, Bolton, BL6 7SD

Distance: 6.15 miles

Duration: 2-3 hours

Elevation: 1,300 feet

Navigation: follow our route here

This Lancashire walk takes you to two incredible viewpoints in one route. You begin your ascent up to Winter Hill via Rivington Country Park, taking you 1,496 feet high up to the summit.

While there are a variety of routes to choose from, our favourite is this 6 mile walk which takes in arguable the best views and scenery across Bolton, Wigan and the West Pennines Moors.

After a brisk hike from Rivington Pike you'll soon approach Winter Hill, which reaches an elevation of 1,496 feet. The views from here are nothing short of breathtaking, especially during the winter months when the landscape is adorned with a pristine layer of snow. The panoramic vista extends as far as the eye can see, with the city of Manchester on one side and the rolling hills of Lancashire on the other.

What is Winter Hill?

After reaching the almost dystopian summit of Winter Hill, you may be left thinking “what on earth is this place?”. I know we certainly were.

While the reality of Winter Hill is a little less glamorous than my imagination led me to believe, the transmitting station is a working broadcasting and telecommunications site and is responsible for bringing you all your favourite local TV channels.

Rivington

Just over the border between Greater Manchester and Lancashire, Rivington is a magical landscape where mysterious ruins are nestled between magnificent reservoirs, moor tops and woodland aplenty.

It’s a place that’s packed with wholesome things to do, whether that’s exploring Rivington Terraced Gardens or going on an aerial adventure at Go Ape. The area is so stunning it was even dubbed "the Little Lake District” by the Victorians.

good-to-knows

amenities

• The pike snack shack

You’ll pass this quaint little coffee shop at the base of Rivington Pike, offering a selection of hot and cold beverages and snacks.

Location: Rivington Pike Cottage, Horwich, Bolton, BL6 6RU

• The Tea Room at Rivington

For a delightful cup of tea and some light bites, visit "The Tea Room at Rivington," nestled in a picturesque spot near Rivington Hall Barn.

Location: Rivington Hall Barn, Rivington Lane, Rivington, Bolton, BL6 7SB

• The Rivington PUB and grill

Before or after your hike, stop by "The Rivington," a charming pub near Rivington Pike known for its cosy atmosphere and hearty fare.

Location: Rivington Lane, Horwich, Bolton, BL6 7SB

• GO APE

Located close to Bolton and only 30-minutes from Manchester, Go Ape Rivington features exhilarating 13-metre-high platforms, beautiful country views and a zip wire over the reservoir.

Location: Great House Barn, Rivington, Horwich, BL6 7SB

Parking Options

Rivington Pike Car Park

Location: Rivington Pike Car Park, Rivington Lane, Horwich, Bolton, BL6 7SB

Public Transport

If you prefer or require to travel via public transport, you can reach Rivington Pike and Winter Hill by bus or train:

Bus:

• The 125 and 575 bus routes have stops near Rivington Pike.

• Check the latest bus schedules and routes to plan your journey.

Train:

• Take a train to Horwich Parkway station.

• From there, you can catch a bus or even walk to Rivington Pike.

Fancy giving it a go? Follow our route here

QUARRY BANK LOOP, STYAL

An exceptionally easy Sunday stroll starting at an exceptionally good pub…

Start: The Ship Inn, Styal

Distance: 5 miles

Elevation: 275 feet

Duration: approx. 2 hours

Navigation: follow the route here

From enchanting woodlands to proper pub grub, Styal beckons you to explore its surrounds… and with most of the routes on offer under cover of a leafy greenscape, Quarry Bank makes for a great day out, rain or shine.

The Southern Woods provide a great opportunity to explore the wider estate at Quarry Bank and to watch the river twist and turn and make its way to the mill. There are also some hidden gems... take a look at the mill pond and weir.

As well as some fantastic routes along the river Bollin on sections of the Bollin Valley Way, Quarry Bank Mill is well worth a day out of its own. Whether you prefer to take an extended pit stop here or make it your main event, there’s plenty of routes on offer. Ours takes you through Styal Woods, up to The Giant’s Castle Bridge, Norcliffe Chapel and on into Chapel Wood, before dropping down to the River Bollin at the rear of the Quarry Bank Mill Gardens.

From here, we head west following the river coming out next to Manchester Airport runway at the edge of Wilmslow and head across the fields to Pownall Park, back through Quarry Bank Mill and on to The Ship Inn — ready for some much needed pub grub and a well-deserved pint.

Looking for a longer route? This 6.5 mile walk is another great alternative for exploring Styal’s serene surroundings. Check out the route details above, and take your pick.

Fancy following along? Check out the step-by-step route here

CAPESTHORNE HALL: CHESHIRE

Explore the beauty of Capesthorne Hall and its surrounding countryside in this woodland Cheshire walk

Start: Capesthorne Hall, SK11 9JY

Distance: 5 miles

Elevation: 100 feet

Duration: 2 hours

Navigation: follow the route here

Love to spend your weekends frequenting stately homes and pretending you’re in a Bronte novel?

Then you’re going to love Capesthorne Hall, a beautiful stately home located in the tranquil village of Siddington, Cheshire. This stunning historical building is surrounded by picturesque countryside, making it a popular destination for walkers and nature lovers alike. Let us take you on a route that takes in the best of this stately home and its surroundings, exploring its history, architecture, and notable features.

History of Capesthorne Hall

Capesthorne Hall was built in the early 18th century by William Smith, a successful lawyer and politician. The building's architecture is a perfect example of Jacobean style, with its impressive mullioned windows, steep gables, and ornate chimneys. Over the years, the house has been renovated and extended, but it still retains much of its original charm and character.

In the 19th century, the estate was inherited by the Bromley-Davenport family, who further developed the grounds and gardens, creating a beautiful parkland and a series of lakes. The family lived in the house until the mid-20th century when it was opened to the public as a tourist attraction.

Today, visitors can explore the grand rooms of the house, including the drawing-room, dining room, and library, which are decorated with beautiful antique furniture, paintings, and sculptures. The gardens and parkland are also a delight to explore, with their immaculate lawns, colourful flower beds, and stunning water features.

Walk around Capesthorne Hall

A walk around Capesthorne Hall and its surrounding countryside is a perfect way to appreciate the beauty of this historic estate. From the house, you can follow a path that takes you through the parkland, past the lakes and woodland, and into the open countryside beyond.

One of the highlights of the walk is the Chapel in the Woods, a picturesque 19th-century chapel located in a secluded woodland glade. The chapel was built by the Bromley-Davenport family as a private place of worship and is now open to the public.

Another notable feature of the estate is the Japanese Garden, a tranquil oasis of calm, with its meandering streams, waterfalls, and exotic plantings. The garden was created in the early 20th century and is a testament to the family's love of travel and exoticism.

Places to visit for food and drink nearby

After a day of exploring Capesthorne Hall and its surroundings, you may want to stop for a bite to eat or a drink at one of the many excellent pubs and restaurants nearby. Here are some of our top recommendations:

• The Old Vicarage Hotel: This charming country hotel is located in the village of Holmes Chapel, a short drive from Capesthorne Hall. The restaurant serves delicious locally sourced food, and the bar is stocked with an impressive selection of real ales and wines.

• The Swettenham Arms: This traditional 16th-century inn is located in the picturesque village of Swettenham and is renowned for its excellent food and drink. The pub has a beautiful beer garden and a roaring fire in the winter months.

• The Yellow Broom Restaurant: This stylish restaurant is located on the edge of the Peak District National Park and serves contemporary British cuisine. The restaurant has a beautiful terrace with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Capesthorne Hall and its surrounding countryside are a beautiful and historic destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or nature, you’ll find plenty to enjoy at Capesthorne Hall. So why not plan a visit today and discover the charm of this beautiful estate for yourself?

Follow the route here