Chinese Gardens @ Rivington

Topped by Rivington Pike and overlooked by the Pigeon Tower, Rivington Terraced Gardens was designed and built in to the hillside on Rivington Moor for Lord Leverhulme around a 150 years ago.

Following his trips to the Far East Lord Leverhulme was inspired to build replicas of the stunning gardens that he saw there. Japanese pavilions, ornate lakes with waterfalls and oriental flowered gardens were built for the people of Bolton to enjoy.  After his death, the gardens were left abandoned but many of the summer houses bridges and lakes remain intact.

The ruined remains of the gardeners’ cottages can be explored today along with the Grade II listed stairways and paved terraces recently restored to their former grandeur.

Our Huskies love to run in the grounds exploring these corridors and swim in the lakes.

This walk is quite difficult and you’ll be glad to have a husky to pull you up the 1,100-foot ascent. The proper footwear is essential to avoid a twisted ankle here, as the stone bridleway is a steep climb and very uneven the whole way. 

The 5mile circuit will start and end at Rivington Hall Barn which serves everything from amazing confectionary and snacks to delicious roast dinners – something for everyone and a well-deserved reward after this challenging hike.