LET’S TAKE A WALK…
Bob Clare takes us on a classic walk up Pendle Hill. At around five miles, this is no great distance but it is a serious, moorland hike
PENDLE HILL FROM BARLEY
Start: Information Centre and car park on Barley Lane BB12 9JX GR SD 823403
Distance: 5m / 8K
Time: 2-3 hours
Map: OS OL21 The South Pennines
Turn right out of the car park. At the corner cross to the lane opposite with the village hall on the left, leading quickly to Barley Green. This lane climbs to the first of two reservoirs. At the end of the reservoir join the Pendle Way as it comes in from the left. For the rest of the walk you are on this trail. Beyond a stand of pines to the right of the track, the way dips down to a gate and stone stile below Upper Ogden Reservoir.
Cross the stile and follow the track as it climbs steeply to reach the higher level. The track gives way to a narrower path between a wall and fence, through a gate and crosses pastures to a ladder stile. Over the ladder stile follow a rough, peaty track upwards and then along to a stream flowing from the defile that is Boar Clough.
Cross the stream and follow the path for 60 yards then turn right to climb the steep flank of the hill. As you climb, the path becomes more obvious as it broadens out. When the route crosses the top of Boar Clough a line of cairns come into sight. Continue upwards towards the trig point. The views are extensive.
From the trig point continue along a broad track northwards for 400 yards to a wall. Do not cross the wall but bear right to quickly reach a steep, stepped path. This is the way down. At the bottom, through a metal kissing gate take the path that leads right behind the farmhouse (Pendle House) and turn left, entering a large field by a gate. With a wall to the left cross to another gate, then follow the path as it bears right across a shallow gully to enter a field close by the farmhouse. When you reach the farm road turn right to cross the yard to a gate. This leads onto a good path besides a brook. Follow the path down to a tarmac lane at Ing Ends. Turn left, pass the cottage and garden and cross a wooden footbridge on the right. The path bears left following the course of the stream and enters the village opposite the Methodist chapel. Turn right to the car park.
Today you are never far from the witches in this part of Lancashire – they are part of the tourist industry. Indeed the logo of the Pendle Way depicts a witch on a broomstick. The story of the Lancashire witches has the gloss of legend but in essence it ended in a trial at Lancaster that started as a ‘domestic’ between two impoverished families in 1612. Witches were looked for and witches were found. Ten people, eight women and two men, were found guilty and executed.
With thanks to Bob Clare
100 Walks in Lancashire by Bob Clare is published by Crowood Press and is available in booksellers, outdoor shops and online priced at £10.99
www.lancashirewalks.com
www.crowood.com
