Families enjoy traditional Good Friday walk to the pike – the first in two years

The view from the top of the Pike

Hundreds of people from across Bolton hiked up to Rivington Pike today for the first time in two years for the Hike the Pike Easter walk.

Families and friends joined together for the traditional walk again for the first time since the pandemic began – and they said it was a lovely atmosphere.

Margaret Beatty decided to do the Good Friday Hike with her children and family members from Manchester.

The Bolton News: Margaret Beatty and her family

Margaret Beatty and her family

She said: “It’s absolutely brilliant to see everyone back together, it’s been great to get up here today.

“Somebody put something on Facebook yesterday about coming up with their family and I was like straight away, we’re going up and some of our family members from Manchester have come up to come with us as well.

“The atmosphere is really exciting up there, everybody is getting together and just having a good time and it is an opportunity for people to get together with family and just catch up.”

Families all said it was great to be back together after two years of lockdowns and they really enjoyed the hike.

Families enjoyed fairground rides, food vans and games.

There were also people who made the walk of faith for the first time.

One couple said the do not usually do the hike but added “we know alot of people come up here on Easter Friday but we didn’t realise there would be so much stuff going on up there like the fairground.”

The Bolton News: Hundreds hiked the pike

Hundreds hiked the pike

Hundreds of people hiked to the top and made sure they touched all four corners of the Pike.

But stall holders who have been at the traditional Easter pilgrimage each year for decades said this year’s turn out has been quiet.

Alison Holmes runs a slush and food stall and comes yearly to the Hike the Pike and this year she said:”

The Bolton News: Cool slushes after walking up the Pike

Cool slushes after walking up the Pike

“It’s been a bit quiet so far but I think it’s been quiet in general.

“I’ve been here before, I’ve generation after generation been coming here.

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“I remember coming here at about five years old running round there in the snow, so I’ve been coming here a long long time.

“From a couple of years ago, I think its quiet.”

This is the first of many events going on across the borough this year to celebrate Easter.