Bus service to take people to Rivington launches

Today, for the first time in 40 years, a bus service started operating to the popular and spectacular beauty spot.

The new half-hourly Sunday and Bank Holiday bus service launch coincides with the 125th anniversary of the Winter Hill Trespass, when Boltonians marched on the very same moors fighting for rights enjoy the countryside.

The new service means the popular Bolton attraction will now be accessible to more people to enjoy.

Bolton and South Lancashire Community Partnership was instrumental in the launch of the new service, which extends the 575 service to the beauty spot.

Lower Rivington reservoir by Michael Galea

Chairman of the Partnership Paul Salveson said: "Rivington is one of the most popular attractions in the North-West yet it is has no public transport.

"This new and experimental service will mean that people without a car can visit this lovely place, but also avoids the hassle of finding somewhere to park if you have a car.

"The service runs each Sunday, every half hour and TfGM concessions are valid. It's a joint initiative of South East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership, Diamond Buses and CrossCountry Trains."

The service has been extended to run from Old Lords Crescent to Rivington Lower Barn, Rivington village green, Horrobin Lane, New Lane to Millstone and back on main road to Lever Park Avenue to Bolton in a 'one-way loop'.

People have welcomed the new service on social media.

The very first bus to Rivington with Driver Dave at Old Lords Crescent on April 11

A spokesman for Diamond Bus North West said: "Diamond Bus North West would like to add that we are delighted to be working in partnership with South East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership to bring a service to Rivington, we are extending our 575 service to run from Old Lord's Estate to Rivington and back again then back into Bolton.

"This is an opportunity that we could not turn down this allows us to continue striving to give something to the community and allow everybody the chance to visit one of the most popular local tourist hotspots in the North West."

On the commemorate walk to mark the Winter Hill Trespass on September 5 following in the footsteps of the Winter Hill 'trespassers', a free bus service will be put on to get people back from Belmont.