The Good Friday Rivington Pike walk attracts hundreds

The centuries-old tradition sees scores of families ascend the 363m tall pike every Good Friday to touch the four corners of the tower before descending.

Crowds were slightly diminished this year due to the bad forecast, but those intrepid enough to make the journey were surprised by a day more mild than had been predicted, with views as stunning as ever.

Climbers at the top of the pike (Image: Dan Dougherty)

“We’ve done it every year for about four or five years,” said John Leonard, 58, who climbed the pike with his wife Carol.

“I actually run up here quite regularly – I’m training for a half marathon, so I quite often run Rivington Pike and some of the other hills around here.

“I actually ran up it last week!”

John and Carol Leonard (Image: Dan Dougherty)

John and Carol both seemed unfazed by the hike, the only huffing and puffing audible coming from my direction.

The grade-II listed tower at the top was built in 1733 as a hunting lodge, although the inside is now inaccessible.

The Easter tradition began in the 19th century – celebrated on Whitsunday rather than Good Friday, and it moved to its current date in 1900.

Refreshments stalls on the way up the pike (Image: Dan Dougherty)

Walkers streamed in from all directions to climb the pike, some walking up via the steps on the Western side, some taking the slightly more treacherous Southern route.

Refreshment stalls dotted the pathways, alongside games for the kids.

The noise, mingled at points with the smell of grilled onions, gave the event the atmosphere of a country carnival.

Easter Bunny Paul Harrison, who gives out sweets to the children every year (Image: Dan Dougherty)

People were frequently bumping into people they knew, people they hadn’t seen in a while, commenting on how much their friends’ kids had grown since they last saw them.

“We’ve been doing it for well over 21 years,” said Ann Kaye, who had climbed the pike with her family.

“I know it’s about that long because I did it carrying my son on my back when he was little – he’s 21 now.

Ann Kaye (second from right) has been doing the climb annually for over 21 years (Image: Dan Dougherty)

“We live in Adlington, it’s something we do every year – lots of locals do it.

“It’s a bit quieter this year than usual though – I think people were put off by the forecast.”

Another rambler, Brian Pilkington, was there at the top of the hill, looking out over the scenery with his binoculars.

A frequent climber, Brian was well prepared to make the most of the incredible views – Blackpool tower is visible at a distance of 25 miles, as are some of the mountains in the Lake District.

Brian Pilkington, binoculars in hand (Image: Dan Dougherty)

Matt and Jo Withers – themselves frequent climbers – enjoyed the scenery at the top of the pike, reflecting on 15 years of similar journeys.

“We do it every year,” said Matt, “It’s been a tradition for hundreds of years.

“We really enjoy it – the weather isn’t great this year, but when the sun comes out people are all sitting on the grass looking out over the hills.”

Jo and Matt Withers (Image: Dan Dougherty)

This year’s Good Friday walkers were also invited to take a pit stop in the Pigeon Tower, located on the way up to the pike.

Open 10am to 3pm on Friday and Saturday, weary travellers could nip in for a nice drink as they sat next to the roaring, well-stoked fire.