Rivington Reservoirs Lancashire
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Rivington Reservoirs Lancashire

4.7
Β·112 reviewsΒ·, United Kingdom

Discover serene reservoirs, panoramic views from Rivington Pike, and historic gardens in Lancashire's West Pennine Moors.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful walks, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Rivington Reservoirs Lancashire

Rivington Reservoirs Lancashire

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful walks, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover serene reservoirs, panoramic views from Rivington Pike, and historic gardens in Lancashire's West Pennine Moors.

4.7
(112 reviews)

"Amazing and romantic picturesque scenery, fresh air. I love this place very much."

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸš— Ample Parking Options

Plenty of free parking available, but note that facilities close at 6:30 PM. Roadside parking is also an option; avoid blocking entrances.

πŸ₯Ύ Trail Variety for All

Discover numerous trails suitable for short strolls to longer treks. Great for walking, cycling, and photography.

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 Β· 112 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rivington Pike Summit

Rivington Pike Summit

Summit of Rivington Pike

Ascend to Rivington Pike for breathtaking panoramic views of Lancashire and the surrounding reservoirs. A rewarding climb for any visitor.

Lower & Upper Rivington Reservoirs

Lower & Upper Rivington Reservoirs

Around the reservoir bodies

Wander along the picturesque shores of these expansive reservoirs, offering tranquil waterscapes and diverse walking trails.

Rivington Terraced Gardens

Rivington Terraced Gardens

Near Rivington Pike

Explore the remnants of these unique terraced gardens, featuring intriguing ruins and a glimpse into historical landscaping.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Beat the crowds by visiting Rivington Reservoirs on weekdays, especially outside of peak summer months. Early mornings or late afternoons offer serene walks and better light for photography. Be aware that parking facilities and some services may close around 6:30 PM, though many parking areas remain accessible.

Safety First Around Reservoirs

Reservoirs can be deceptively deep with steep sides and cold water, posing risks of cold water shock. Avoid swimming or entering the water, even on warm days. Stick to marked trails and be mindful of your surroundings, especially when exploring remote areas.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful walks, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn
Why
Stunning fall foliage
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

EPISODE THREE - North East Gems: Kielder Forest/Resevoir An absolute banker for outdoors days out in the North East. Whether it’s hiking, mountain biking, bird watching or star gazing, Kielder has it all. Make sure to send this to a friend you would like to go with!!! (33.8k/50k) #northeastgems #newcastleupontyne #northumberland #Hiking #Outdoors
@joshclarkeoutdoors
321 likes β€’ 3.8K views

πŸš— Ample Parking Options

Plenty of free parking available, but note that facilities close at 6:30 PM. Roadside parking is also an option; avoid blocking entrances. Reddit

πŸ₯Ύ Trail Variety for All

Discover numerous trails suitable for short strolls to longer treks. Great for walking, cycling, and photography. Reddit

Best time of year for #LancashireWalks πŸπŸ™πŸ»β˜ΊοΈ Not sure which walk is best... has to be one that involves woodlands though! πŸ‚ Nicky Nook, Roddlesworth Reservoirs and Rivington Pike all come to mind. Any other suggestions? 🧐 #LancashireLife #Lancashire #AutumnWalks #AutumnVibes
lancashirelad.walks
431 likes β€’ 12.3K views
Stay safe around our reservoirs πŸ’™ This is Rivington Pike in Lancashire. Last week we joined with @lancashirefrs and @cds_events turning Pigeon Tower blue to raise awareness of the dangers of swimming in reservoirs. Reservoirs have steep sides, are very deep, in remote locations and can cause cold water shock. Please all stay safe during the school holidays πŸ’™ #reservoir #drowningprevention #la...
unitedutilities
13 likes β€’ 1.1K views

⚠️ Reservoir Safety

Never swim in reservoirs due to cold water shock and hidden dangers. Stay safe and enjoy the views from the shore. Instagram

πŸ“Έ Photography Paradise

Capture stunning landscapes, water features, and wildlife. The reservoirs offer beautiful backdrops for photographers. Instagram

Lower & Upper Rivington Reservoirs Lovely afternoon wonder #rivington #reservoir #waterfall #water #lancashire #walk #walking #photography #landscapephotography #landscape #portrait #portraitphotography #wild #nature #photogrid #photographylovers #hikerlife #adventure #outdooradventures #outdoors #outdoorlife #trekking #explore #explorepage #womenwhohike #hike #getoutmore #thegreatoutdoors #inst...
stratton.outdoors
141 likes β€’ 3.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸš— Ample Parking Options

Plenty of free parking available, but note that facilities close at 6:30 PM. Roadside parking is also an option; avoid blocking entrances. Reddit

πŸ₯Ύ Trail Variety for All

Discover numerous trails suitable for short strolls to longer treks. Great for walking, cycling, and photography. Reddit

⚠️ Reservoir Safety

Never swim in reservoirs due to cold water shock and hidden dangers. Stay safe and enjoy the views from the shore. Instagram

πŸ“Έ Photography Paradise

Capture stunning landscapes, water features, and wildlife. The reservoirs offer beautiful backdrops for photographers. Instagram

🌳 Embrace Nature's Calm

Escape the city for a peaceful retreat. The fresh air and serene scenery are perfect for relaxation. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(112 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the picturesque scenery and fresh air at Rivington Reservoirs, calling it a peaceful escape perfect for walks, cycling, and photography. The abundance of trails and free parking are highlights, though some note that facilities close by early evening and graffiti can be an issue in certain spots.

"Amazing and romantic picturesque scenery, fresh air. I love this place very much and on sunny summer days I will stroll here to admire the scenery and relax"

Natural Herb98

"Lovely place to go with amazing views and scenery. Always nice to get away from town and go somewhere peaceful and quiet, this is the place I mainly go. Perfect for walks, cycling and photography and there are also a few places to eat nearby too."

Lewis Humphreys

"Wonderful place to visit. Beautiful landscapes with lots of water reservoirs to walk or drive around. Plenty of trails and tracks for trekkers or casual walkers.

Plenty of Parking. Most of parking areas are free. However, parking closes at 6:30 pm. It doesn't mean you will be locked out as many parking areas do not have gates. Perhaps facilities and related services close by this time and you may be very much at your own. Plenty of free roadside parking is also available. Please make sure you do not block any entrance or where parking is not desirable.

Go Ape is Tarzan type activity area. Rope bridges and hanging sling rides and many other 3-6 hour activities. Go Ape park has a fee. Please call to check the current entry fee and any deal. Advance booking is recommended though no queue was observed."

Nadeem Bokhari

What People Like

Beautiful scenery and views
Peaceful and quiet atmosphere
Plenty of walking trails

What People Dislike

Graffiti in some areas
Parking facilities close early

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

Rivington Reservoirs are accessible by car, with several parking areas available. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended for ease of access. Reddit

Yes, there are plenty of parking areas, many of which are free. However, be aware that parking facilities and related services typically close around 6:30 PM. Reddit

Absolutely! The area is popular for cycling, with various trails and paths suitable for different skill levels. Reddit

There are many trails and tracks for both trekkers and casual walkers, offering diverse routes around the reservoirs and through the West Pennine Moors. Reddit

Exploring the West Pennine Moors, which encompass Rivington Reservoirs, can be done via circular walks that often include Rivington Pike and Winter Hill. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, general access to Rivington Reservoirs and most of the surrounding natural areas is free. Parking is also largely free, though some specific attractions might have fees. Reddit

The natural landscape is accessible at all times. However, parking facilities and associated services typically close around 6:30 PM. Reddit

Access to Rivington Pike itself is free. The climb offers stunning views without any admission charge. Instagram

The walking trails around Rivington Reservoirs are free to use, allowing for extensive exploration of the beautiful Lancashire landscape. Reddit

Go Ape is a separate attraction with its own fees. It's recommended to call ahead to check current entry fees and any available deals, as advance booking is advised. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Key attractions include Rivington Pike for its views, the picturesque Lower & Upper Rivington Reservoirs, and the historic Rivington Terraced Gardens. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are many gentle trails suitable for beginners, offering lovely scenery without overly strenuous climbs. Reddit

From Rivington Pike, you can enjoy panoramic views stretching across Lancashire, including the reservoirs and surrounding countryside. Instagram

It's a photographer's paradise, with beautiful landscapes, water features, and opportunities for both nature and portrait photography. Instagram

Yes, you can find the ruins of Liverpool Castle and the intriguing Rivington Terraced Gardens, offering a glimpse into the area's past. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are a few places to eat nearby, offering convenient options after your walk or exploration. Reddit

Picnicking is a great option, with many scenic spots to enjoy your own food. Remember to use the bins provided. Reddit

Dining options nearby typically include pubs and cafes offering a range of meals, suitable for refueling after outdoor activities. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, some eateries in the vicinity may offer pleasant views, enhancing the dining experience. Reddit

Some facilities might offer refreshments, but it's advisable to check in advance or bring your own, especially if visiting outside peak hours. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

The shores of the reservoirs, Rivington Pike summit, and the Rivington Terraced Gardens offer diverse and stunning scenes for landscape photographers. Instagram

Early mornings and late afternoons, especially during the 'golden hour,' provide beautiful light for capturing the reservoirs and surrounding scenery. Instagram

Look for reflections in the water, the dramatic skies, the unique architecture of Rivington Pike, and the natural beauty of the woodlands. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local bylaws and any specific restrictions before flying a drone in the area.

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is beneficial for low-light conditions. Instagram

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