Despite the 80% forecast of rain (typical day this summer!), our DL team headed out towards Winter Hill with around 80 other walkers from across the area. With our Fortalice t-shirts donned over our waterproofs, we were led up the opening section of the walk to the sound of drums like a military march. The drums stopped as we reached the opening steep ascent that not even the group Zumba warm-up beforehand could have prepared us for. After a spurt of energy, our DL team crested the top of the first stage of the walk, greeted by Bolton's own young army cadets and, more ominously, Mountain Rescue. Thankfully, we didn't need a defibrillator, and we marched on towards the famous Winter Hill landmark, a giant telecommunications mast that stands 309.48 metres (1,015.4ft), making it the UK's highest television transmitting antenna, and one of the tallest structures in the UK.
From the mast we made our way across the fell to eventually see Rivington Pike's fort-like summit landmark emerge from the mist, taking our elevation to 1,191 ft high. On a clearer day, you'd be able to see Blackpool Tower, the Lake District mountains, the Welsh mountains and even the Isle of Man (rumour has it).
Despite the drizzle and some heavy mist it was a fabulous day ending with bright sunshine, high spirits and money raised for this special charity. We were privileged to meet Bolton’s mayor, Councillor Andrew P Morgan, who together with his wife kindly came out to greet everyone making the finish line. A big thank you to everyone who donated.
If caring for and protecting victims of domestic abuse is a cause you care about, then there’s still time to donate to Fortalice on the link below, or learn more about them:
See the gallery for all the photos.
