Friday 4th July 2025
Come Walking Series of Walks, Rivington Gardens & Pike.
Fifteen walkers assembled at the bottom of the driveway, up to the Higher Barn, and headed in the direction the barn. Once at the top of the drive we made our way around the barn and started the climb into the gardens. Our first stop was at one of the Cascades, that channel water down through the gardens. We continued our climb to the Japanese Lake and Gardens, which has recently been restored by the Rivington Heritage Trust, who are now responsible for returning the garden to its original glory.
Heading towards the gardens
It was Lord Leverhulme (Willian Hesketh), the soap magnet, who built the gardens with the help of landscape designer Thomas Mawson between 1905 -1925.
At the back of the lake, we climbed up a few steps to visit the Kitchen Gardens, where only couple of plumb trees and apple trees were left at the site, but there was evidence of renewal with vegetables having been planted in the beds.
Summer house
The bridges
Having now climbed out of the gardens we started the steep climb up to the Rivington Pike where we had magnificent views over to the Fylde coast.
Rivington Pike
After spending time picking out the landmarks that we could see we descended the hill and made our way back into the gardens and headed to the Pigeon Tower, which was a dove cote when it was built, and was a birthday present from Lord Leverhulme to his wife.
The Pigeon Tower
Over the seven arch bridge
From the tower we started to descend the many steps, first visiting the Italian Lake, then crossing the Seven Arch bridge before heading back to the car parked, having covered four scenic miles.