MAY 2024 – 8 MILES – WINTER HILL (RIVINGTON, LANCASHIRE)

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Another month has passed, and it’s time to meet up with my good friend for another hike and catch-up. This time, we decided on Winter Hill since we enjoyed Rivington Pike so much last time. We penciled it in a while ago, looking for a bit more of a challenge. The weather forecast isn’t great, rain all day, but my friend is very optimistic, and usually, the day turns out fine and dry 🤔

Total Distance: 8 Miles
Steps: ~20,000 Steps
Highest Point: 1496 Feet
Total Realistic Time: ~4 Hours

Winter Hill is a hill on which the three boroughs of Chorley, Blackburn with Darwen and Bolton meet in North West England. It is located on Rivington Moor, Chorley and is 1,496 feet high. Part of the West Pennine Moors, it is a popular walking area, and has been the site of mining activity, aeroplane disasters and murders.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_Hill_(North_West_England)

We met up at the Rivington Hall Barn car park, which had plenty of spaces and offered free parking until 7pm. Unfortunately, there were no toilets available at the car park. My friend initially went to the car park where we had parked for our Rivington Pike hike last time and texted me to see if I had arrived yet 😂 She decided to come over to the Rivington Hall Barn car park since it was close to The Great House Barn café and restaurant, where we planned to have coffee and cake after our hike.

Here is the route we decided on, we would head to Winter Hill and then loop back to the car park via Rivington Pike.

The route began by passing through a Japanese garden near the grounds, which looked beautiful in the mist.

We followed these kinds of paths to get to Belmont, then turned right to head up towards Winter Hill.

Since it was still raining, we were both already soaked and I was getting cold. I was so glad I had brought an extra warm jacket to wear under my waterproof one before we headed up to Winter Hill. We followed the loose stones to the top of Winter Hill, but we couldn’t see much due to the mist and rain.

We saw some plaques up there commemorating the victims of the air disaster and a young man who was tragically murdered on these moors.

It rained the entire way, leaving us cold and wet from head to toe. Despite this, we had a good laugh and enjoyed the added challenge. Reaching Winter Hill felt like an accomplishment, and the hot coffee and cake at The Great House Barn café and restaurant made it all worth it 😊

On our way back down towards Rivington Pike, we passed by a charming spot called The Pike Snack Shack, and the aroma of fresh coffee was incredibly tempting. I’m sure we’ll make a point to visit next time. However, we were too cold and wet to stop, all we wanted was to get back to the car, peel off our drenched socks and shoes, and then make our way to The Great House Barn café for some much needed warmth.

Conclusion:

The route from Rivington Hall Barn car park, winding through the Japanese garden, up to Winter Hill, and then back down to Rivington Pike, is truly delightful. We couldn’t help but imagine how much better the views would have been if the weather had been clearer. I think we both agreed that we would have enjoyed it much more if it hadn’t been raining 😂

I might just have to do this hike again, if only to make a pit stop at The Pike Snack Shack for that aromatic coffee.

GENERAL EQUIPMENT

  • Apple iPhone 15 Pro (for taking photos/videos and mapping using OS Maps)
  • Comfy walking shoes (most important)
  • Flask with Hot/Cold drink (a good cuppa is always welcome)
  • ibuprofen (helping hand if you have any aches and pains)
  • Food and snacks (fuel to keep you going)
  • Extra warm jacket (so glad I did 🥶)

 

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