A bewitching loop in historic Lancashire – Pendle Way
Hiking Collection by Alex Foxfield
8
days
1-3 h
/ day
69.6 km
1,530 m
1,520 m
The region is well-known for the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612, which led to the execution of ten unfortunate souls found guilty of witchcraft. But the real draw of the region, for hillwalkers at least, is its crown jewel, Pendle Hill. Rising to 1,827 feet (557 m), and dominating the west of the district, the hill has long been associated with the supernatural. Much of this has to do with the infamous Witch Trials and the discovery of a Bronze Age burial site on the summit plateau. It’s a popular objective for hikers on Halloween, a pilgrimage site for Quakers, and offers magnificent views throughout the year.
This Collection follows the Pendle Way, a 45-mile (72 km) loop of the region, building to a fitting climax in its latter stages with a hike up its namesake hill. Starting from the Pendle Heritage Centre in attractive Barrowford, the Way takes in a variety of terrain, from moorland to river valleys, and visits many sites of historical significance.
Highlights include Weets Hill, the second highest point on the route and a fine viewpoint in its own right; the charming village of Barnoldswick, with its cobbled streets and independent shops; the ruins of Wycoller Hall, inspiration for Charlotte Brönte’s Ferndean Manor; the richly historic Forest of Pendle; the attractive village of Barley; and, of course, Pendle Hill itself.
The Way is officially split into eight, relatively short stages. This is what I’ve presented here, though how you divide the walk up is entirely up to you and strong walkers would have no trouble completing it over a long weekend. You’re never too far from the valley’s amenities and there are usually accommodation options and places to eat at the end of each stage. Where this is not the case, I recommend alternatives in the Tour descriptions. Some local B&Bs offer a pick up and drop off service, which can be very useful. The route is also waymarked – keep your eyes peeled for the witches on their brooms!
The standard start point at the Pendle Heritage Centre is around 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from Colne train station. You can also access it by bus from Colne, Burnley and Clitheroe by alighting at the Bank Fold stop in Barrowford, just a short stroll from the start point. There’s also parking nearby.
The various terrains encountered include high moorland that’s exposed to the elements and stretches along rivers and through woodland that can be muddy underfoot. Quality hiking footwear is essential, as are warm layers and waterproof clothing. I also advise sun protection for the warmer months, as shade can be difficult to come across at times.
What are you waiting for? Let the Pendle region cast its spell on you.
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Activities
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
02:49
9.80km
3.5km/h
260m
210m
IntermediateIntermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The first stage begins with a lovely riverside amble along Pendle Water, before a modest climb brings you to the fine summit of Weets Hill for marvellous views to Pendle Hill, the distant fells of the Yorkshire Dales, and the Ribble and Aire Valleys. You finish in the delightful market town of Barnoldswick
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
02:23
8.95km
3.7km/h
80m
130m
IntermediateIntermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.Industrial surroundings give way to gorgeous limestone countryside on this second stage of the Pendle Way, linking Barnoldswick with Earby. Hallmarks of the region’s textile heritage characterise the early stages. Meanwhile, north of Barnoldswick, much more ancient elements of the landscape can also
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- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
03:03
10.9km
3.6km/h
230m
180m
IntermediateIntermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.The third stage explores some wonderful moorland, visiting the historic Black Lane Ends Tavern and Knarrs Hill for superb views across the rolling countryside. You skirt both Bleara Moor and Kelbrook Moor, on what is a wild feeling journey from Earby to Laneshaw Bridge.
Just before leaving Earby, you
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
02:50
10.3km
3.6km/h
220m
110m
IntermediateIntermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.This stage is an undulating journey with more up than down, as the Way follows Wycoller Brook to Wycoller Country Park, with its intriguing village and associations to Charlotte Brönte. After this, you pick up a former packhorse trail across the moors, with yet more beguiling vistas across the county
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
02:07
7.53km
3.6km/h
110m
240m
IntermediateIntermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.After tackling plenty of uphill in the previous stage, this short walk between the windswept Coldwell Reservoirs and the terraced houses of Reedley is mostly downhill, with the odd undulation. It’s a journey from high moorland to industrial heartland, as you approach the towns that boomed during the
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
02:36
9.26km
3.6km/h
240m
120m
IntermediateIntermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.Pendle Hill draws near during this stage, as you enter the Forest of Pendle, an ancient hunting ground, and start to explore places with connections to the infamous Witch Trials. The first half is predominantly flat, before the ascent towards the iconic hill brings you to Newchurch, named for St Mary
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
02:30
7.69km
3.1km/h
320m
370m
IntermediateIntermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.The symbolic climax of the Pendle Way, this stage embarks on a grand arc across Pendle Hill’s summit escarpment, revealing glorious views, before finishing in the pretty village of Barley. The mix of charming villages, woodland, cloughs and marvellous hillwalking makes this a real highlight of the journey
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
01:28
5.24km
3.6km/h
70m
160m
EasyEasy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.The final stage is a short one, descending gradually from Barley through lovely countryside and back to the Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford. At around halfway, the attractive village of Roughlee offers the potential for a pit stop.
The opening section from Barley to Roughlee, through part of the
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Collection Stats
- Activities8
- Distance69.6 km
- Duration19:47 h
- Elevation1,530 m1,520 m
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