Today’s Walks
Strenuous Leader: Dag Griffiths Distance: 9.5 miles
Virtually all of the ascent comes in the first part of the walk. We head first for Pigeon Tower and then Rivington Pike. Dropping down to Pike’s Cottage we take the path to the left of ‘Two Lads’ and pick up the road to Winter Hill (456m). From the top we take a short but fairly steep descent (sticks could be useful!) which then flattens out to cross the Rivington-Belmont Road at Hordern Stoops. From there we pick up the path to Higher Hempshaw’s and then on bridle paths to Simms and Lead Mines Clough to the Yarrow Reservoir. Walking round the north and west of the Yarrow Reservoir, we reach the village of Rivington before heading back for the coach.
Moderate Leader: Alison & Eric Ashcroft Distance: 8.7 miles
Ascent 1200 feet. We leave Rivington Hall Barn by bridleways and paths, skirting around woods to climb up to Pigeon Tower with it’s views across Rivington Moor. Then on around Noon Hill and paths to the remains of Higher Hempshaws and Simms. We continue to Lead Mines Clough and down river to Yarrow Reservoir, then by Lower Rivington Reservoir and back to Great House Barn car park and up the main driveway to the Hall and coach park,
Leisurely Leader: Peter Denton Distance : 5-6 miles
The walk starts with quite a steep climb up to ‘Pigeon tower’. The path is stepped with a hand rail. A steady slow pace will get us breathing hard by the time we get to the top, but the views will be worth the pain. After we recover we will head gently down hill around Yarrow Reservoir, then down the side of Rivington Reservoir, for a cup of tea and scone.
Easy Leader: Irene Wilcock and Dianne Pennington Distance: 6.5 miles
We make our way to Rivington Hall Barn and then take an uphill path to the terraced gardens. From there the walk continues on to the Castle and follows the paths by the side of the reservoir.