Conquer the Wild: Rivington & Winter Hill

Saturday 27 February 2027

For our February Conquer the Wild Hike & Trail Run Adventure, we're heading to the fantastic landscape of Rivington and Winter Hill for a challenging journey across one of Lancashire's most recognisable areas of moorland.

Expect woodland trails, open moorland, plenty of climbing, big views (weather permitting!), mud and a few familiar Rivington landmarks along the way as we explore this brilliant landscape.

Rivington & Winter Hill

Rising high above the Lancashire landscape, Winter Hill provides the perfect setting for our February challenge.

Our circular route will take us through the varied landscape surrounding Rivington before heading higher onto the open moorland of Winter Hill.

It's a route designed to provide a real sense of journey: moving from the lower trails and woodland onto the exposed moors, tackling the climbs and experiencing some fantastic views across the surrounding countryside.

Winter conditions could add another dimension to the adventure, so come prepared for mud, wind, hills and whatever else February decides to throw at us!

Conquer the Wild Hike & Trail Run Adventures

Our Conquer the Wild events are typically up hills, across moorland and along trails. They're longer adventures with more mud, more hills and more challenge: all of which usually means more laughs and some awesome photos!

Routes typically cover approximately 10 miles and take place on the last Saturday of the month.

Our hikers and trail runners start from the same location but head out on the routes in opposite directions, passing each other somewhere along the way for the obligatory group photo opportunity!

The adventures are led by our qualified Hill and Moorland team, bringing a wealth of experience, local knowledge and expertise.

Conquer the Wild is about discovering and exploring new places whilst completing a challenging route with the camaraderie of like-minded people around you. There should be no desire to beat anyone or break records.

This isn't a race.

It's an adventure.

Trail Run: typically around 3.5 hours

Hike: typically around 5.5 hours

Times will vary depending on the route, conditions, group pace and, importantly, how much we're enjoying ourselves! As this is a supportive group event accommodating a range of abilities, please consider the latest advertised finish time when making plans for afterwards.

Leave the planning and navigation to us. Your job is simply to enjoy getting out into the open, exploring the trails and enjoying the views and company.

With an emphasis on exploration and improving physical, mental and social wellbeing, rather than competitive times or distances, our adventures are led by a knowledgeable and experienced team who'll provide encouragement, support and plenty of humour along the way.

Kit requirements

• Waterproof jacket and trousers

• Spare warm layer

• Hat and gloves

• Minimum 1 litre of water

• Fully charged mobile phone

• Suitable trail shoes or walking boots

• Personal snacks/food

Given the exposed nature of Winter Hill and the time of year, additional kit requirements may be communicated depending on the forecast and ground conditions.

Route

Full route details will be emailed to participants ahead of the event and will include:

• Intended route

• Meeting/start location

• Parking information

• Specific kit requirements

• Any other information relevant to the day's adventure

As always, the exact route may be adapted by the Sunnywood team depending on weather and ground conditions.

About The Sunnywood Project

The Sunnywood Project is a multi-award-winning profit-for-purpose organisation offering a wide range of youth programmes and community activities, all aiming to utilise the outdoors to enrich people's lives.

Proceeds from many of our events help us continue this important work, contributing towards programmes including our Kindling Kids sessions, Duke of Edinburgh's Award programmes, SPACE programme for children with SEMH needs, and much more.

By joining us for an adventure, you're not only doing something positive for your own wellbeing: you're helping us create opportunities for others too.

Thank you for your support and for joining us.

EXPLORE. LEARN. GROW.