Ramblers

The tradition of public access on Winter Hill dates back hundreds of years and it is one the most popular walking, rambling and hiking destinations in the North West, on a par with the Lake District. The views are stunning, the terrain varied and the options many, making it the ideal site for beginners and experts to tackle. Popular routes include from the Top Barn up to the Pike, round to the transmitter mast, over to "Piccadilly" and back to the Top Barn.

The ramblers of today have much to be grateful for. In the 19th Century one of the gentry - a man called Colonel Ainsworth - bought a large area of land along one of the main rights of way. He wanted to use the area for grouse hunts and decided that the visitors passing through should be deterred. All manner of techniques were used including the construction of fences, and some say even scare tactics and threats. However in 1896 the public, outraged by the actions being taken, organised a mass trespass. About 10,000 people turned up and were confronted by local police and a barrier. The people responded by literally throwing the police over the fence and proceeded to march over the land. The events were recreated in 1996 when 1000 people marched through what is now an acknowledged public right of way. More recently, some of the pathways have been rebuilt, making for easier access.