Pendle Hill walk

The splendid views from the isolated summit of Pendle Hill disguise a more morbid secret. The witches of Pendle Hill walk follows the journey of the poor Pendle witches were forced to take before being murdered. This walk showcases Pendle Hill in a much better light!

The Walk

Pendle Hill has an iconic presence beyond its modest height. It stands isolated, impressive and shapely from all directions. It also has an impressive, but unpleasant, past. The famous historical legend of the Witches of Pendle is based on the villages around the hill. Twelve witches were killed in 1612 for witchcraft (they were hung not burnt alive) and the murders created a national outcry at the time.

My favourite walk up Pendle Hill is from the village of Barley. An alternative is to climb Pendle Hill from Downham to the north. The climb from Barley starts by walking alongside the twin reservoirs of Ogden. From here a short, but steep, climb up the deep ravine of Boar Clough takes you on to the vast Pendle Hill plateau. The summit trig point makes for an excellent viewpoint, particularly as I was privileged recently to look down on a cloud inversion.

Returning to the poor witches I have always found the most peculiar element of the story is all seemed to have willingly confessed and signed their own death warrant. Barley village was home to one of the witches, from the Device family. It is worth exploring this attractive village and pub. Imagine the brews and potions of one of the most famous witches in the land!

Recommend

The village of Pendleton is home to what must be the most unusual dry ski slope in England. I have visited the slopes and it is a very agricultural experience!

Navigation Tips on Pendle Hill walk

After Upper Ogden Reservoir cross through the wall on to access land. Climb initially on the west side of the deep ravine before crossing to the west when it starts to flatten out. The path then heads in a north easterly direction to the main summit track.