The most beautiful walks around Manchester - Part 1 of 3 - Rivington Pike.

Over the last few weeks, our creative team made it their mission to find the top three trails around Manchester. Challenging walks with breathtaking scenery. Indeed, miles were covered, sweat did drip, but eventually, we found our ultimate three! and don't worry, all the walks are dog friendly too :) To top it off, we created a selection of beautiful captures along the way.

Once the initial research was completed, we had a final ten. These were reached through a mixture of trip advisor reviews and local blogger recommendations. From the hikes completed, we're sharing, in our opinion, the finest three. One will be uploaded each week. Let the countdown begin.

First to feature and taking 3rd place... Rivington Pike.

Situated in Chorley, Lancashire, England, Rivington Pike is a hill summit on Winter Hill, forming part of the West Pennine Moors. Adlington and Horwich being the closest towns.

Sat-Nav Postcode: BL6 7SB

Upon arrival, you are greeted by a gravel drive leading to Rivington Hall Farm and Pigeon Tower car park. On route, there is a selection of parking spaces to the left, with no charges. The purpose of this trail is to reach the summit and admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the moors, Pike Tower is a welcomed addition - a small monument situated at the very top.

Route Stats: A Circular Route - Just shy of 2 miles / 1.191 Feet

The footpath is mainly a mixture of gravel, plenty of mud, and eventually steps. For the brave and those looking for a sneaky shortcut, there is a selection of steep, narrow, but efficient steps early on, cutting through the woodland area. Walkers, especially those accompanied by children and/or a dog, would be best suited to the path, to begin with. It's a gradual climb and not at all dangerous. You can see the variations below...

The path soon leaves the woodland area and we approach the beautiful Rivington Terraced Japanese-styled Gardens accompanied by a small lake. The great Ravine also features, consisting of a series of waterfalls flowing over man-made cascades, and entering an area called 'The Dell'. These features are being left as a surprise, so no photography here!

The final stages put Pike Tower in view. A grade 2 listed building, constructed in 1733. The remains of a beacon platform and local stone/wood were acquired to build the structure. Squire John Andrews used the site as a hunting lodge.

The final hurdle to the Tower is a selection of steep steps. A small change you do notice is the weather, most noticeably in wind speed, so be sure to wrap up. Approaching the summit, you begin to understand the hype, it's a special setting, and the views are glorious.

Hurray, we made it! Magnificent views of the West Pennine Moors and on the clearest of days, Blackpool Tower, the Lake District mountains, and the Isle of Man, impressive! Now they do say a picture is a thousand words so...

Important information you may want to check out:

Parking + Sat-Nav Postcode: BL6 7SB

Route Length: 2 Miles Circular

Toilets On-Site: No

Refreshments: Rivington Village / Green Tea Room

Showing part 1 of 3. 'The most beautiful walks around Manchester'.

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