The blaze, which broke out about a mile from Montcliffe Quarry on George's Lane near Horwich, was spotted by a pilot at about 15:55 BST.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue said it was a "significant wildfire" and 10 engines from Greater Manchester and Lancashire were deployed.
The fire was brought under control shortly after 21:00 BST.
Winter Hill lies between Bolton and Darwen in Lancashire, and hosts a television and radio mast.
Firefighters tackled a fire on moorland at Winter Hill in Lancashire for more than five hours.