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Winter Hill Group Walks | Join a Walk
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Elevation
456m
1,498 ft
Prominence
215m
Coordinates
53.6299, -2.5158
SD659149
OS Map
109
Explorer: 287
The summit features a prominent trig point, several rocky outcrops, and a large stone cairn, giving it a rugged charm. The views are simply breathtaking, though you might have to share them with a dog or two!
Winter Hill is primarily composed of gritstone, which forms the hard backbone of the hill, while the surrounding area features lush moorland and heather. Its rocky outcrops and boulders provide a taste of the region's geological history.
From the summit, you can gaze upon the sprawling landscapes of the West Pennine Moors, the bustling towns below, and even the distant peaks of the Lake District on a clear day.
The name 'Winter Hill' is believed to reference the cold climate and blankets of snow that often cover the area during winter months.
This hill has historical significance as a landmark and was once used for signalling. It’s also a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
This popular route begins at Rivington Hall Barn and ascends via Rivington Pike before continuing to Winter Hill. The walk offers stunning views of the West Pennine Moors and the Lancashire countryside. The path is well-defined and includes some moderate climbs, making it suitable for most walkers with a reasonable level of fitness.
Starting from the car park at Wilderswood near Horwich, this route takes you past the iconic 'Two Lads' cairns before heading up to Winter Hill's summit. The path includes a mix of open moorland and rocky sections, providing a great variety of terrain and wide-ranging views.
This route begins at Belmont Reservoir and takes a direct path up to the summit of Winter Hill. The approach provides a quieter and more remote experience compared to other routes, with great views of the surrounding reservoirs and moorland. The terrain can be boggy in places, so waterproof footwear is recommended.
Starting in the historic village of Barrow Bridge, this route follows a scenic path through Walker Fold Woods before climbing to the summit of Winter Hill. The route is varied, with sections of woodland, open moorland, and gradual ascents, making it a favourite for walkers looking for diversity in their hike.
This straightforward route begins in Horwich and follows a well-trodden path up to Winter Hill. It’s a direct ascent with panoramic views throughout, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a quicker but rewarding hike to the summit.
The nearest parking area is at Rivington Pike, where there are several spaces available, but it can fill up quickly, especially on sunny weekends.
Regular bus services run to nearby Rivington from towns like Bolton and Adlington.
There are public toilets at the Rivington car park, while nearby Rivington offers a couple of quaint cafés for much-needed refreshments.
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Some common questions about the hills answered
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Winter Hill through the maps
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Winter Hill search or of course create your own walk for Winter Hill
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Winter Hill.
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Winter Hill here
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Grid Ref: SD659149
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