About & history

A team hiking and navigation challenge for Cubs, Scouts and Explorers on the moors around Rivington Pike: how it began, and how it has grown.

How it began

The Pike View Hike was conceived in late 2000 by six Scouters from Bolton, who set out to plan an incident hike for Scouts around Rivington Pike, a local moorland landmark.

The first event was planned for April 2001, but it had to be cancelled a few months before because of the nationwide outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

Planning started again at the end of 2001. After nearly six months of test walks, setting the checkpoints, organising the support teams, bringing in Mountain Rescue and RAYNET, hiring minibuses and spreading the word, the first Pike View Hike took place in April 2002, with 13 teams of 4 Scouts.

In 2003 two more events ran alongside it: the Pip Hartley Memorial for teams of Cubs, named in memory of a Scouter from Bolton, and Bibby's Farm Yomp for Explorer Scouts. 17 teams entered across the three events.

From 2008 to 2012 there was also an adult event, for leaders, helpers, friends and families.

Three events for Cubs, Scouts and Explorers: see The challenge.

The event today

In 2014, 74 teams took part: 9 in Bibby's Farm Yomp, 34 in the Pike View Hike and 31 in the Pip Hartley Memorial. Volunteers and members of RAYNET staffed and supported 12 checkpoints, and Bolton Mountain Rescue Team provided backup and the kit and safety checks.

The 23rd event, in 2026, had approximately 60 teams.

Who runs it

Pike View Hike is run by volunteers, as a sub team of the Bolton South with Farnworth Scout District.

What leaders and others have said about the event is on the Press page.