9k Run Chorley: Scenic Ascent at Rivington Pike

Route Overview & Local Insights

Tackle one of Lancashire's most rewarding climbs on this 9.4km adventure through the West Pennine Moors. Starting from the edges of Chorley, you'll feel the burn immediately as you navigate a well-defined track that winds through wooded glades before emerging at the iconic Rivington Pike. With 307m of ascent, this is a moderate to challenging effort that mixes paved paths with technical moorland grass and potential boggy sections near the 459m summit of Winter Hill. Given that you’ll be pushing above 500m elevation in certain areas, the exposed terrain demands respect; the descent offers a fast, grassy terrace that lets you open up your stride while soaking in panoramic views of the Fylde Coast and the Lake District on clear days.

The Rivington area is steeped in local history, famously transformed by Lord Leverhulme in the early 20th century into a sprawling "Terraced Gardens" inspired by Italian aesthetics. As you run past the Pike Tower—a stone structure dating back to 1733 that once served as a hunting lodge—you are following in the footsteps of the famous Rivington Pike Fell Race, one of the oldest in the country. Winter Hill itself is a landmark of the northern skyline, recognizable by its massive broadcasting station, and serves as a rugged reminder of the industrial and natural heritage that defines this part of the North West. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and the occasional fell runner training for their next big race on these historic slopes.