Leader
Richard S
Description
A 5/6-mile walk around the delightful Rivington terraced gardens and surrounding woodland and meadows. The park was built by Lord Lever between 1905 and 1925. The house was demolished after WWII and the park fell into disrepair. More recently the Rivington Heritage Trust has been restoring all the original features/garden and the park is beginning to look more like it might have done in the 1930s.
From the car park the walk takes a steady ascent through the woods and up some steep steps to reach the Lever Bridge, Japanese Lake, Great Lawns, Italian lake and Pigeon tower. There are eleven features that are Grade II listed.
Please be aware, the climb from the car park is approximately 500/600 feet of ascent and there are a great many steps to climb – however if you have not seen the recent restorations, it is well worth while.
From here, the walk descends across meadows and woods to skirt Yarrow Reservoir, and then returns to the start point via the woodland walk alongside Rivington Reservoir. Opportunity for tea and cake stop at the café!
Start Point and Time
Meet at 12.00
at Rivington Great House Barn Car Park (Tea room/gift shop), just off Rivington Lane (next to Go Ape).
NOT THE CAFÉ / CAR PARK AT THE TOP OF THE LANE opposite which is “Rivington Hall Barn”.
Nearest postcode: BL6 7SB
(beware, this postcode indicates a point east of the car park up the lane towards the Rivington Hall Barn – turn off the road into Great House Barn before this).
Grid ref: SD62849 13867
Directions to Start
Travelling north west on the A673 through Horwich, Bolton, and just after the B6226 joins this road at a roundabout, turn right into Lever Park Avenue toward Rivington. This becomes Rivington Lane. After about a mile turn left into Great House Barn car park and café. If the car park is full, additional parking is available in the lane opposite going up the hill toward Rivington Hall Barn and estate.
Contact
Call Richard on 07762783810
Cancellation
Very occasionally, due to severe weather or other serious event, a walk may be cancelled. In these instances a note will be added to the website at least TWO hours before Start Time. So do check the website before you set out, and if in doubt use the Contact mobile number.