You can practicaly drive to the top of the Pike - The road goes sraight up to near the Dovecote and, as far as I remeber, always has. I don't think getting a fair up was particularly difficult although, alas, I don't remember it either:-( From where I lived (Swinton and Pedllebury) you can see Winter Hill very clearly and, as soon as I was old enough to go out all day on my bike, about 1964 I would guess, both the TV mast and 'Rivi' Pike were a favourite destinataion.

Then when leg power gave way to petrol power, but still on two wheels, Sundays at the barn were almost compulsory! May take a trip up there again soon although last time I went the Chinese Gardens were in the worse state I have ever seen them. Hope something is being done to preserve Leverhulmes legacy.

Cheers

DeG