Rivington, near Horwich, Lancashire

Tigers Clough

Waterside landscape

Place photograph

6.0

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Secluded

Feel

WoodlandRiversideHillsWalkersPhotographersWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

6.0

A small waterfall tucked into a wooded ravine formed by the River Douglas, with the lesser-known Crooked Edge Waterfall nearby.

Tigers Clough earns its place for the contrast between its modest scale and its tucked-away, rocky ravine setting. The waterfalls reward a short detour from the more obvious paths, but expect wet, uneven ground rather than a surfaced stroll.

Secluded · Peaceful · Wild

Find your way

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Rivington, near Horwich, Lancashire

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The experience

Make the waterfall the focus of a short ravine walk. If you want a bigger outing, a supplied walking account continues uphill to Rivington Pike and Pigeon Tower; this is a more substantial, steepening walk, not simply an extension of the easy waterfall visit.

Things to do

Find Tigers Clough waterfall

Walk into the wooded ravine formed by the River Douglas to reach the small waterfall. The approach is described as short, but paths can be wet and uneven.

Short walk; allow time for the return and exploring

Look for Crooked Edge Waterfall

A second waterfall is reported nearby. Include it only if you can identify a suitable path and conditions are safe.

Continue towards Rivington Pike and Pigeon Tower

A supplied walking account describes a longer route from Tigers Clough via Rivington Pike and Pigeon Tower, with views towards Rivington Reservoir and stone garden structures. This is a separate, more demanding outing than the short waterfall visit.

A video account describes a 3.6-mile walk; verify the route and conditions

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Around 1–2 hours

Quick Escape: find the waterfall

01
Start from the Green Lane area, checking current parking and access first.
02
Follow the path into the wooded ravine towards Tigers Clough waterfall.
03
Allow time to explore the immediate area, then retrace your steps.

Half day · A half-day outing; route duration and conditions should be checked before setting off

Make a half day of it: two waterfalls and the hill route

01
Visit Tigers Clough waterfall by way of the wooded ravine.
02
Continue to Crooked Edge Waterfall if the paths and conditions are suitable.
03
For a longer outing, a supplied walking account describes continuing uphill to Rivington Pike and Pigeon Tower, then returning by a loop. Check a current route map and conditions before attempting this extension.

Verified history

The supplied sources do not establish a definitive origin for the name Tigers Clough. One guide proposes a connection to an alleged illegal drinking place with two tigers on its sign, near Knoll Bleach Works, and reports stone rubble remains associated with the works downstream. Treat the name-origin account as a theory, not established fact.

Folklore & legend

No independently supported local legend was supplied. The name-origin story involving a drinking place with a tiger sign is presented by one guide as a theory; it should not be repeated as verified history.

Hidden details

The second waterfall — Crooked Edge Waterfall is described as a nearby, lesser-known fall; it may be easy to miss without a reliable route description.

When to go

March · April · May · June · July · September · October · Early morning or a weekday for a quieter visit, according to the supplied source row.

The source row recommends spring and summer for woodland growth and birdsong, and autumn for leaf colour. Waterfalls may show better after rain; this is not a guarantee of flow.

Paths can be wet, muddy and slippery. Take suitable footwear and check conditions before following the rougher ravine paths.

The route

ascent: A video account reports 853 ft for its longer route including Rivington Pike.
surface: Woodland and ravine paths; wet and uneven ground reported.
distance: A supplied guide describes a 3 km one-way walk; another describes a 1.5–2.5-mile walk. A separate video account describes a 3.6-mile route including Rivington Pike and Pigeon Tower. These accounts describe different routes; verify the route before setting off.
duration: One supplied guide gives 1 hour for its route; another gives 1–2 hours for a 1.5–2.5-mile walk. Longer extensions take more time.
difficulty: The waterfall approach is described as an easy walk by one source, but wet, uneven paths are also reported. The uphill extension is more demanding.
route shape: The waterfall route is described as one-way in one guide; a separate video account describes a loop via Rivington Pike and Pigeon Tower.
start point: Green Lane area or Rivington Reservoir car park are named as starting points in supplied sources; confirm the appropriate current access point.
parking start: Parking information conflicts between sources. Check current parking arrangements and restrictions before visiting.
shorter alternative: Walk to Tigers Clough waterfall and return by the same route rather than continuing to Rivington Pike.

Tigers Clough waterfall
Crooked Edge Waterfall
For the longer route: Rivington Pike, views towards Rivington Reservoir and Pigeon Tower

Worth pairing with

Rivington Pike and Pigeon Tower

A supplied walking account combines the waterfall with a longer uphill walk to Rivington Pike and Pigeon Tower, then returns via the area’s stone garden structures. Treat this as a separate longer route and check current route conditions.

What to look for

Look for the waterfall in the rocky ravine and, if following a longer route, the separate Crooked Edge Waterfall. One supplied guide also reports stone rubble remains associated with Knoll Bleach Works downstream.

The story

Local name-origin theories; nearby remains associated with the Knoll Bleach Works are reported by one supplied source.

Best time to go

Spring and after rainfall for fuller falls and fresh woodland; autumn brings colour. Paths may be muddy or slippery.

Visit after rain for a better chance of seeing the waterfalls flowing strongly. Early morning or a weekday may be quieter, according to the supplied source row.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers

Practical information

Opening & access

A short walk from Green Lane reaches the wooded ravine and waterfall. Paths are uneven and can be wet; confirm current access and parking before setting out.

Parking

Parking information varies between supplied sources. Check current parking arrangements before visiting.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check current local rules and signage before visiting.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The ravine paths are uneven and can be challenging for visitors with mobility needs. Wheelchair or pram access is not supported by the supplied evidence.

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

River and waterfalls