Pendle Hill

If you’re an active family and you enjoy a good hike, then Pendle Hill in Lancashire could be the next destination on your list! The walk up to Pendle Hill starts from the picturesque village of Barley. It’s about 8 km to the top with some steeper parts, but there’s nothing the kids can’t handle, so it’s a great route even for beginners. And who doesn't love to finish a day on a high with spectacular views?! 

Whether it was a challenging climb or easy breezy - it's an achievement too!

Did you know there's so much more to Pendle Hill than its popular walks and amazing views?

It's infamous for its barbaric witch trials of 1612 - full of mystery it was the home of the Pendle Witches who were tried and executed for witchcraft. You'll find all sorts of particular spots tied in with fascinating historical moments.

The villages who resided on the hills would do all sorts of weird things to ward off 'evil spirits' from animal bones in brick walls to including the 'Eye of God' in its churches. With a mysterious history like this, it's also become popular with ghost hunters, most famously the Most Haunted TV crew back in 2004 - who carried out a live investigation! What did they find we wonder...

Not only that, but Pendle Hill also rises above an ancient land that was once a hunting ground for wolves and wild boars! Nowadays it has tiny hamlets and farms residing along its banks.

Blessed with clear blue skies on your day out? Well, then you’re in for a treat because the views from Pendle Hill are absolutely stunning! The famous landmark and hill lie 557 metres above sea level, so there are plenty of breathtaking views to witness on a choice of routes! You'll find steep steps and a narrow path level for those needing a challenge, but there's also plenty of easier routes along grassy slopes too. 

The most popular route is the Witch's Trail, which takes you up the hill on a well-trodden path and takes around 2 hours to complete. If you're looking for a shorter, easier route up the hill, there's plenty to pick from, whether it's a gravelled path or up solid steps!

For those looking to feast their eyes on the Barley Ogden Reservoir, they can pass through the wooden kissing gate along grassy slopes. And if you're looking to feel really accomplished, then how about trying to reach the white Pendle Hill summit stone?! It's a great achievement for any family on their adventurous day out!

But that's not all...you and the family can head out on the Pendle Sculpture Trail in Aitken Wood! You'll find stone witches, mythical creatures, bats and an abundance of weird and wonderful sculptures! Some of the mythical creatures have riddles set out for you to solve...can you answer them correctly? Who knows what else you might find!

Since Pendle Hill opens such breathtaking scenery, it’s a wonderful place to have a picnic, when the weather is nice and warm. If you don’t mind carrying packed lunch up the hill, you can have a family meal with views to die for!

Or there are plenty of quaint pubs dotted around the hill for you to grab a quick pint and some lovely pub grub!

From the 17th century Pendle Witch Trials to Richard Towneley's barometer experiment - there’s a lot of stories you can tell the kids on your way up and down.