Rivington: We continue our Chorley 150 series looking at one of our favourite places to visit

We're very lucky to have beautiful countryside in the borough of Chorley and the first place to appear in our 150 reasons to celebrate the town, is Rivington.
Rivington Pike ... one of the reasons to be proud of the places in and around ChorleyRivington Pike ... one of the reasons to be proud of the places in and around Chorley
Rivington Pike ... one of the reasons to be proud of the places in and around Chorley

The Chorley Guardian is featuring 150 stories about Chorley: Inspirational people, places that we love, or special moments in the life of the borough.

It's a countdown to our 150th anniversary on November 4 and we’re celebrating the community we’re proud to be a part of.

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Rivington Pike offers one of the best viewpoints in the North West.

The Chorley Guardian is marking its 150th birthday this year with the Chorley 150 series of storiesThe Chorley Guardian is marking its 150th birthday this year with the Chorley 150 series of stories
The Chorley Guardian is marking its 150th birthday this year with the Chorley 150 series of stories

Many of us have taken the stroll through Rivington Terraced Gardens up to the top to be greeted with amazing views (on a clear day!).

On a sunny day, from the top you can see all the way to the Isle of Man and the Lake District.

If its not a clear day, at least you can tire out the children and the dogs before heading back home.

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The numerous nature trails and walks within the area are a popular focal point for hikers and ramblers, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

This atmospheric photograph by reader Tony Nolan shows visitors at the PikeThis atmospheric photograph by reader Tony Nolan shows visitors at the Pike
This atmospheric photograph by reader Tony Nolan shows visitors at the Pike

People from Bolton can sometimes claim Rivington as theirs.

But even though the home of Bolton Wanderers, The University of Bolton Stadium, can be seen from the Pike, Rivington is very much in the borough of Chorley.

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Help us celebrate 150th anniversary by telling us why you're proud of Chorley

The tower at the top of Rivington was built in 1733 on the site of an ancient beacon.

Cotton grass on Rivington Moor  Photo: Lancashire Wildlife TrustCotton grass on Rivington Moor  Photo: Lancashire Wildlife Trust
Cotton grass on Rivington Moor Photo: Lancashire Wildlife Trust

In fact the beacon was lit in July 1588 to signal the sighting of the Spanish Armada

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The reservoirs were built between 1852 and 1857 under the direction of Thomas Hawksley (1807-1893).

He designed them so water from the West Pennine Moors would supply Chorley and Liverpool.

They have now become a magnet for visitors, especially walkers.

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The village of Rivington itself is of outstanding natural beauty and interest and is a designated conservation area.

There are eight listed buildings within the conservation area.

These vary from a simple hand-loom weavers terraced cottages to the simple Unitarian Chapel which was founded in 1703.

Chorley 150 countdown

Do you have a favourite place to visit in the borough of Chorley?

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Send in your suggestions for our stories to come in the next few months and let's celebrate 150 years together.

Whether its a person, a place, an event, a sporting moment email [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you.

Read more from our Chorley 150 countdown

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