Two Lads. Two Towers. Plus some.
9 people attending
6 places left
Join Andy and Kevin for an invigorating Wednesday wander around the moors of Bolton.
Well off the beaten path, we will be taking in some amazing 360 panoramic views of the North West, inlcuding Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire. We will be visiting many historical tourist attractions and places of interest along the way.
We will start off across the moorland heading up to the Two Lads stone statues before heading down to the Snack Shack where we will have a well deserved coffee break. Onwards to the Japanese Gardens at Rivington, where we will stop and have lunch. From here, we will climb up to Rivington Pike and admire the views from 1, 200ft, before heading up to the Winter Hill TV Mast, (to 1, 250 feet), where we will stop to admire further views before making our return journey.
The main points of interest on this walk include the Two Lads, tree plantation, Snack Shack, Japanese Gardens, Aztec Bridges, Italian Gardens, The Pike, Pigeon Tower, and the TV stations.
Winter Hill
Winter Hill is the highest point in the West Pennine area and towers over Rivington and its surroundings, although it is not tall enough to be classed as a mountain. Winter Hill is really a large, raised plateau of moorland with several summits named as hills in their own right, one being Rivington Pike. There are several other notable hills including Counting Hill, Noon Hill, Crooked Edge Hill, Adam Hill, Brown Hill and more. The summit of Winter Hill itself is rather understated and tucked away at the very end of the mast road behind the smaller radio masts and is marked by an OS trig point.
The name Winter Hill is probably derived from Old Norse, the first recorded name for the hill being Wintyrheld which would mean literally Winter Hill. However, “winter” and its variations certainly had the meaning “wet” in the old times and therefore means “the wet hill”, rather than our modern associations of cold or snow. Colloquialisms like “winter pasture” meaning poor agricultural land, probably at one time meant wet land that could not be farmed but could be used for pasture if necessary.
Between those times and now, it seems Winter Hill was shown as Egberden Hill on antique maps, which would be derived from the Egbert’s Dean, which is the area now known as the Smithills Estate. The valley (dean from OE denu) reaches quite far up the hill and was once a prosperous area so passing cartographers seem to heard the place referred to as Egbert’s Dean Hill. Egbert’s Dean has a defined boundary in the SE quarter of the hill and should really refer to that area only.
This is a dog friendly walk so please bring your pooches along. The more the merrier !!
Some uphill and downhill, different terrains including grass, paths, and rocks. Possible boggy areas.
Approximately 10 miles. Mainly flat. Good walking shoes/boots required.
All photos taken by the event leader
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who has recently tested positive for Covid-19, is asked not to attend.
Your First OutdoorLads Walk Event?
We know that new members in particular like to know in advance more about what an OutdoorLads event will be like.
If this is your first OutdoorLads event, you should check out the information designed specifically for you on the My First Event page on the OutdoorLads web
What to bring
You will need some good walking/hiking boots as we will be dealing with a variety of terrains including grassy areas, rocks, and some bog land. The weather is extremely changeable high up on the moors so you will need to be prepared for this, i.e. hot sunny weather, clammy, cold/strong winds, possible rain.
Hiking boots are arguably the most essential piece of kit when hiking just about anywhere. Walker’s should make sure that their boots are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support. Boots should also be in good condition.
Socks: Walking socks are often overshadowed by those new to hiking, with many novices failing to invest in proper socks. Good walking socks are essential in regards to keeping the feet dry, and in turn stopping the development of blisters. Sports socks and other socks not designed for walking will often become waterlogged, or damaged which will in turn blister feet.
Gaiters: Gaiters attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee. They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg, and are essential in keeping the feet dry.
Walking Trousers: Walking trousers should be of a windproof design and made of a rip stop material, that will stand up to walking through ferns and undergrowth. They should also ideally be water resistant, or at least not gain weight, and lose their insulation properties when wet. Jeans are therefore to be avoided, as they are heavy when wet and provide no protection from the elements.
Waterproof Trousers: Waterproof trousers are essential in keeping the legs dry, as water resistant trousers will not keep out any significant rainfall. Walker’s should look for waterproof trousers that are breathable, in order to avoid being soaked with sweat.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This should ideally consist of a breathable synthetic, specially designed fabric, though a cotton T-Shirt is sufficient.
Mid Layer: A Mid Layer goes on top of the base layer and should consist of a 100 weight micro fleece, or a rugby typed thick shirt. The layering system is important as it allows walkers to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature.
Outer Layer: The outer layer should consist of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece. This is the final layer and walkers should ensure that this layer provides ample warmth.
Waterproof Jacket: A good waterproof jacket is one of the most important pieces of kit you will require when hiking. Walkers should look for a jacket that is both waterproof and breathable in order for them to be protected from sweat. Materials such as Gore-tex are often the best choices.
Hat: As most heat is lost through the head a good hat is essential. The best hats are those of a fleece design, with wool also being acceptable.
Gloves: Gloves are essential in the colder months as walkers will require the usage of their fingers for various activities such as map reading. Windproof or better still waterproof gloves are the best choice.
Rucksack: A good Rucksack that is comfortable to wear is essential, and required to carry both food and equipment. Day sacks should have a capacity of around 30 litres with equipment being placed in water proof bags inside.
Emergency Equipment: A number of items should be taken in case problems occur whilst walking in the hills. Emergency equipment becomes of greater importance the further from civilisation walkers are. Equipment should include spare food stuffs of high energy, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire, either storm proof matches or a firelighter.
Food & Water: At least two litres of water should be brought for each day hiking, with more being taken if cooking is required. Enough food for the duration of a walk should also be taken. Food should be of the high energy variety, with hot food being able to be eaten raw if necessary.
Map & Compass: A map of the area being walked in is essential as well as a compass. The map should be in a waterproof bag or be of a waterproof design.
Mobile Phone: A mobile phone should also be brought and kept in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies.
You may also wish to bring your binoculars or telescope in order to take advantage of the height and amazing views of Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire.
Food & drink
You may wish to bring your own packed lunch. Although there may be opportunities to buy something on the walk, the local cafe's etc. may be closed as these are only small and seasonal.
Please bring plenty of water/fluids.
You may also wish to bring snacks including nuts/protein bar and a hot drink. We will stop off at the snack shack if it is open and you will be able to buy a nice piece of cake, hot drinks or a hot pie etc.