Rivington and Belmont walks to mark Autumn Equinox and Harvest Moon

The astronomical beginning of autumn happens when the Sun passes directly over the Earth’s equator – we call this the Autumn Equinox. The date shifts slightly each year, and in 2026 it falls in September for the first time since 1931.

(Image: Amy Nolan-Podmore – Bolton News Camera Club)

On Wednesday 23 September, the Sun will cross the celestial equator at approximately 1:04am, marking the enchanting Autumn Equinox. During this Equinox, night and day are almost perfectly balanced, making that day, if not the time, for an autumn stroll.

The moorlands above Rivington and Belmont are the perfect places to capture the stunning Equinox light, offering the first glimpses of the golden and orange tones across the landscape.

A few days later, on Saturday 26 September, the Harvest Moon will peak at around 5:49pm. For several evenings afterwards, the Moon will rise just 20–30 minutes after sunset, compared to the usual 50 minutes. Farmers once relied on this quick moonrise to finish gathering their crops long after the Sun had gone down.

The Harvest Moon will it is said creates mystical reflections on the still water in Turton and Entwistle Reservoir, casting a magical glow over the evening walk.

Don’t miss these two charming walks this autumn!