Chorley to Rivington: Bus Link Back for Summer Walkers
A weekend and bank holiday bus service between Chorley and Rivington Country Park will recommence on Sunday 25 May. The 125R route, operated by Stagecoach, has been restored for the summer season with support from local authorities and transport groups. It will operate at a fixed fare of £1. The service was previously discontinued and is being reintroduced following coordination between bus and rail operators.
The bus timetable is aligned with train arrivals at Chorley and Horwich Parkway stations. This scheduling allows passengers from towns including Bolton and Manchester to reach Rivington without needing a car. The route operates only on Sundays and official holidays. Its reinstatement reflects changes in regional transport planning aimed at improving access to non-urban areas during periods of increased leisure travel.
In Chorley, Astley Hall is an old house inside a big park with peaceful paths and gardens. Inside, you can find small exhibits showing old photos and stories from the town. Not far away, Chorley Covered Market has been operating since the 1800s, offering common daily items for sale. Both spots are close to the bus station and easy to visit before heading to Rivington.
Two sites within Rivington are accessible via footpaths from the bus route. The Rivington Terraced Gardens comprise a collection of early 20th-century structures, including stone staircases and viewing platforms, partially restored in recent years. Rivington Pike, a tower situated on elevated ground, serves as a geographic marker and walking destination. Both locations are situated within a wider network of trails across moorland and woodland.
Bringing back the 125R means people now have a way to get to the countryside on weekends without driving, just for the summer months. It gives people a straight shot from town to the countryside, all set up through local public planning. Information on schedules and connections is available from the relevant transport providers. The route is part of broader efforts to integrate public services and address access to leisure spaces.
