Families gathered a Rivington this morning to take part in the annual Good Friday hike.

Although skies were grey, spirits were still high as people hiked their way up to the Pigeon Tower and the Pike.

The Good Friday hike takes place every year where people from all around Bolton and Greater Manchester turn up to touch the corners of the pike for Easter.

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Paula Simmons from Bolton said: “It’s great to see so many people out this morning.

“We always enjoy the scenery up here and the tradition to come up on Good Friday.”

Stalls were set out for people to enjoy drinks, bacon and sausage barms and ice cream as an post hike treat.

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Michael Burton said: “It’s been a lovely morning walk, and the views are always fantastic. It’s nice to see lots of people out and about.”

This year the Grade II listed Pigeon Tower was open between 10am and 2pm and people were asked to give a donation to support the upkeep of the Terraced Gardens.

The Pigeon Tower was built in about 1910 by Robert Atkinson to Mawson’s design, according to the tower’s official list entry, with the top floor said to have been used as a sewing room by Lady Lever.

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Carole Baxter from Harwood, arrived early for the hike. She said: “I came early as I thought it might rain later on but hopefully it will stay fine.

“As always it was a lovely walk.”

After the hike, many families choose to spend the rest of the day strolling around the Terraced Gardens or relaxing at Rivington hall barn.