Mid-Week Ramble: Spitlers Edge 1
Overview
Today is an unusual ‘hairpin-shaped’ route with fantastic views whose main feature is that it stays consistently above 1000 feet, yet there is very little ascent or descent. It only merits a grade 4 due to its elevation. The route, which is very good underfoot throughout, follows the ridgeline between Great Hill and the road which crosses the moors between Rivington and Belmont. After a brief tour of Great Hill we retrace our steps, enjoying the different views that were behind us on our outward journey. We’ll be stopping for a picnic lunch along the way, so please bring sandwiches and, as usual, don’t forget your walking boots.
Facilities: During Covid-19 the situation regarding the nearest toilets to the meeting place (a 10 minute drive away next to the Great House Information Centre at Rivington) is not known.
Location & Itinerary
Grade 4: 5 1/2 Miles - please refer to the Ramble Grading page HERE which also gives you a list of recommended items to bring with you.
From Mcr get onto M61 and head north towards Preston. Exit at J6 signposted Chorley A6027. Turn left at r’bout signposted Chorley (A6). Get into right hand lane and turn right at next r’bout signposted Chorley A6. Continue on A6 for nearly 4 miles ignoring all turnoffs and get to mini r’bout near to White Bear pub. Continue to next mini r’bout (very close by) and turn right. No signpost, but you go over a railway bridge next to Adlington Station almost straight away. Thru traffic lights after 0.4 miles and turn right at T junction after another 0.7 miles, to go over motorway. After crossing the motorway there’s a sharp right bend, and 0.3 miles after that you turn left into Horrobin Lane. After 0.8 miles turn left into Sheep House Lane by Rivington Parish Church. Drive uphill ignoring all turnoffs for 2.2 miles to the top of the hill where there is a car park with room for about 10 cars on your left where we meet. Sorry, no postcode available for the car park but the grid reference is 655159. However, the postcode of the Village Green Tea Room in Rivington (which is en route) is BL6 7SD. The car park where we meet is 2.1 miles uphill on the same road from the Village Green Tea Room.