It is said that the name Rivington derives from words meaning the place of the mountain ash or rowan tree.

Not all historians agree and I prefer the old English Itrof Tun which means a settlement close to a rough hill.

For the lovely walks we enjoy today we should give thanks to William Hesketh Lever who was born in Bolton in 1851.

He followed in his father’s grocery business before setting up his own Sunlight Soap business.

This became the massive Unilever empire, which sells products all over the world. In 1889 Lever bought Rivington Hall and its estate.

He kept 45 acres (18 hectares) for his own use, but in 1902 he gave the rest for the people of Bolton to use as a park.

Lord Leverhulme as William Hesketh later became, was fanatical about preserving heritage and one of his pet hates was the fact that the expanding city of Liverpool had demolished its once powerful castle.

Thomas looked out over Lower Rivington reservoir, which had been completed in the 1870s, and in 1912 set about building a replica of the castle and designed to resemble a stately ruin.

It took 20 years to complete, but it still stands on the banks of the reservoir and is freely open for children of all ages to scramble about and to enjoy.

There are two wonderful old barns to be explored.

They are known to date to the 18th century but the beams have been dated to Anglo-Saxon times.

Lord Leverhulme’s idea was to have the barns renovated and used as refreshment rooms for visitors.

This did not happen in his lifetime, but one is now the Visitors Centre, cafe and bookshop.

From the car park bear left and pass through the Go Ape complex.

Sweep left and descend a path and cross over a small stream.

Follow the obvious bridleway, ascend a gentle incline and reach the reservoir bank seen among the trees.

The woodlands of Lever Park should be enjoyed and lots of time should be allowed to watch for grey squirrels in the trees and the wildfowl on the water.

All round this lovely woodland walk there are seats, some of which have been donated by those who have loved the area.

Look up to the hills on the left to see Lord Leverhulme’s pigeon tower and the square tower which is Rivington Pike.

Keep to the lower path which passes close to the reservoir.

The path winds its way around the Castle Ruin. Although this is a replica of Liverpool Castle, it is certainly large.

Youngsters can play for hours exploring the nooks, crannies, passages and archways whilst the more sedate adults can enjoy the views over the reservoir and surrounding woodlands.

The only thing which is asked is that in view of the present-day safety regulations, people are asked not to try to scramble up onto the battlements.

From the castle the track leads straight ahead through the woodland and which would lead to another car park.

Approach a footpath running to the left. Take this and continue through the woodland Look for the seats and one dedicated to the life of a lady called Edna Parker.

From this seat take the second right pathway. Follow the upper footpath and return to the Go Ape area and the car park.