18-04-2025
'We've enjoyed every minute of it': Hundreds out for Good Friday Easter hike
The skies might have been cloudy, but spirits were certainly high as hundreds of families gathered at Rivington Pike this morning to take part in the Good Friday hike.
The event takes place every year where people from all around the area turn up to touch the corners of the pike for Easter.
Among those who made it to the top of the Pike were Diane and Carol.
Carol (left) and Diane (right) were among the hikers to reach the top of the Pike. (Image: Leah Collins) Diane said: 'We come up here to do the walk over Easter every year! It's been windy this time, but worth it as it's a lovely route!'
Kelly, Wayne and their 14-week-old puppy, Teddy, were also among the hundreds taking on the hike.
Kelly said: 'It's been windy, but we've enjoyed every minute of it.
Wayne, Teddy and Kelly also climbed to the top of Rivington Pike. (Image: Leah Collins) 'It's Teddy's first time going up the Pike, safe to say he's enjoyed it – although he did have to be carried up towards the end!'
Stalls were set out for people to enjoy drinks, bacon and sausage barms and ice cream as a post hike treat.
Many gathered for a post-hike treat at the stalls. (Image: Leah Collins) The Fika Café at the top was also serving coffees, cakes and pastries to visitors.
Among the stalls was Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, who attend the fair every year to raise awareness and collect donations.
Bolton Mountain Rescue Team representative Bryan Carr said: 'We come out here every year on Good Friday, people always come up to us for a chat and there's always a large turnout.
The Bolton Mountain Rescue Team were among stallholders. (Image: Leah Collins) 'It costs a lot for us to keep up the good work and keep the team going, so it's important for us to raise awareness about what we do and to promote the cause.'
The Grade II listed Pigeon Tower was open between 10am and 3pm and people were asked to give a donation to support the upkeep of the Terraced Gardens.
Pigeon Tower was open between 10am and 3pm. (Image: Leah Collins) The Pigeon Tower was built in about 1910 by Robert Atkinson to Mawson's design, according to the tower's official list entry, with the top floor said to have been used as a sewing room by Lady Lever.
Beautiful views from the top of Rivington Pike (Image: Leah Collins)
Mark and Liba also braved the hike despite the windy weather. (Image: Leah Collins)
Leba Burgess and Mark Lilley were also among those who made it to the top.
Leba said: 'The weather has been windy this morning, especially at the top of the Pike! But it's rewarding to have finished the hike and we're glad to have visited the area this morning.'
After the hike, many families choose to spend the rest of the day strolling around the Terraced Gardens or relaxing at Rivington hall barn, which was also providing refreshments.
