Five-mile Rivington walk with scenic views and pub

For those in Bolton, the Rivington and Anglezarke area remains one of the most popular choices, offering miles of scenic paths, open views across the West Pennine Moors, and routes that are easy to follow without too much planning.

One particularly appealing option is a circular walk that combines gentle waterside scenery with a well-earned pub stop along the way.

Starting at the Lower Rivington Reservoir car park, walkers can follow the main path along the water’s edge, keeping the reservoir to their left.

The wide, well-maintained track is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists alike, making it an accessible choice for all abilities.

The route continues towards the dam, which can be crossed before picking up the path alongside Upper Rivington Reservoir.

The Rivington Reservoir is surrounded by footpaths making it an easy and enjoyable walk (Image: Martini Archive)

From here, the trail curves naturally around the shoreline, offering uninterrupted views across the water and surrounding hills.

At the far end of the reservoir, the walk leaves the waterside and follows public footpaths towards Heath Charnock.

The route crosses open fields before reaching Dill Hall Brow.

A short right turn brings walkers to The Yew Tree Inn, a historic pub dating back to 1871 that came under new ownership in 2025.

The Yew Tree Inn provides that ‘proper country pub’ feel (Image: Adam Chapman)

Owner Adam Chapman previously told The Bolton News: “I’m taking it back to being a ‘proper country pub’ for everyone, with fresh home-cooked food serving quality local cask beers, including using our own produce from our own rare breed Saddleback pigs in Belmont.

“The aim is to create a relaxed environment where anybody’s welcome to pop in for a drink. Dogs are welcome, whether it’s just for a pudding and a glass of wine or a full three-course meal.

“We are a country pub for all, dedicated to looking after local walkers, cyclists, horse riders or people coming in for a drive to a country pub experience where the views are fantastic, quiet, very chilled out.

“In the summer, our terrace, secret garden and decking are probably the best places to eat and drink for miles.”

With the weather starting to get warmer, the outside terrace can be the perfect place for a pint. (Image: Adam Chapman)

Set close to Anglezarke Reservoir and surrounded by moorland, the pub has quickly become a popular stopping point for those exploring the area.

To complete the walk, visitors can follow the road back towards Rivington, re-joining the reservoir path and looping back to the car park.

At around five miles, the route is manageable for most walkers and with warmer weather on the way, it’s likely to become even busier in the weeks ahead.