A nice cold spell welcomed 2003 in and today was a cold bright day, ideal for walking on the usually sodden moor, especially between Winter Hill and Rivington Pike.
I parked the car at Wilderswood (SD652123) and walked towards the Pike. At the first left turn I continued ahead on a footpath that appears to lead to Two Lads Hill (It doesn't) till it meets the road to the TV transmitter. The best views from Winter Hill are at the trig point and beyond. I continued to the last transmitter to see the views northwards across to Great Hill and the Trough of Bowland.
I retraced my steps to the Transmitter station and then after 75 yards took a path off to the right which leads to Rivington Pike
At the start of the walk - the path follows an old stone wall
After 100 yards a doorway appears in the wall - why, I haven't a clue.
First glimpse of the transmitters
Closer view
Looking north to the summit of Two Lads Hill
Looking back to Two Lads
Looking back down the path
Looking up the mast
Looking west. The support cables clearly visible along with their anchorage points
Looking back down the lane which is a private road but a public right of way
"Georges Stump" which is a memorial plaque in remembrance of George Henderson.
The view to the east
The Trig point which marks the summit of Winter Hill. There is no cairn. The views from the stile (middle left) are excellent
Looking back to the Transmitter station from the Trig point
The view across to Darwen Tower
and the view across to Great Hill. The Trough of Bowland is on the skyline
Looking down the path to Rivington Pike. This path is usually very muddy, but today's conditions made for easy walking
A closer view of the Pike
Thankfully some board walks have been placed at the worst parts of the path
Snow has turned to ice
Looking back to Winter Hill
Rivington Pike
Rivington Pike again
The view from the Pike with some of the reservoirs visible
