Sunday, 27th January 2013

 

Walk: Upper Rivington Reservoir, Liverpool Castle, Wilderswood, two Lads Cairns, Japanese Gardens, Terraced Gardens
Start Point: Car park near Rivington School Grid Ref: SD 625 143
Distance: 7 miles Ascent: 1,200 feet
Weather: Dry and sunny with snow underfoot Time: 4.25 hours
Comments: Beth and I started this walk with the group, walking through slushy snow for much of the way. After climbing to Wilderswood we parted company with the group and took the footpath to the Two Lads Cairns. There was a very strong and cold wind on the exposed sections so we quickly descended to Pike Cottage. After a section on the main track we descended to the Japanese Gardens where we ate our lunch in the shelter of the rocks. It was then a slushy, slippery walk through the terraced Gardens to Rivington Hall Barn. From here the walking was much easier as we followed the track and road back to the car. A special treat followed with a visit to Great House Barn for cake and hot chocolates!

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Karen checks on the stragglers as we make our way to . . .

 

Liverpool Castle where there is time for a  . . .

 

group photo

 

A straight track leads out of the lower park

 

The bridge crosses the River Douglas . . .

 

with steps providing the ideal spot . . .

 

for photos . . .

 

as we take a short breather

 

Beth tests her wings for flying . . .

 

as Lower Rivington Reservoir comes into view

 

Battling the wind again . . .

 

Beth checks out the views . . .

 

en route to the Two Lads Cairns . . .

 

from where we have a good view of the masts on Winter Hill . . .

 

and across to Rivington Pike

 

Looking over Park Cottage pond to Rivington Pike and the reservoir

 

The snow has banked up here . . .

 

and it takes a bit of extra effort . . .

 

to get to the other side!

 

We decide to give Rivington Pike a miss today . . .

 

but there are lots of people braving the wind

 

The Japanese Gardens provide a good spot for lunch . . .

 

as the sun highlights the waterfall

 

Descending past one of the historical buildings (which Beth likens to a goal!)

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