Pendle Hill, Lancashire: Explore 4 Scenic Routes linked to the Pendle Witches of 1612

HISTORY OF PENDLE: The Pendle Witch Trials

The tale of The Pendle Witch Trials begins in 1612, when a wave of fear swept through the shadow of Pendle Hill. Ten locals were accused of practicing witchcraft… a charge that carried deadly weight in those days. By the end of it, they were led to the gallows, leaving behind one of the most haunting chapters in England’s history.

It all began with a young girl named Alizon Device, wandering the Lancashire countryside one ordinary day when she crossed paths with a travelling pedlar and asked him for some pins. When he refused and suddenly collapsed not long after, whispers began to stir, and suspicion curled around Alizon like smoke.

When the authorities questioned Alizon, the pressure proved too much. She confessed and took others down with her. One name led to another, and soon her own family, along with members of the Demdike and Chattox clans, were swept into it. Locals knew them as herbalists and healers, but under the harsh gaze of suspicion, their remedies and rituals were twisted into something far darker.

Eager to prove their suspicions, the authorities wasted no time. They turned up unannounced at Malkin Tower (now demolished), a crumbling home perched on the edge of Pendle Hill, where the families had gathered – possibly for nothing more than a shared meal. But in the eyes of those hunting witches, it was painted as something more sinister… a witches’ Sabbath. From that moment, the gathering became damning evidence in a case already steeped in fear and accusation.

By the time the trial began at Lancaster Castle, the fate of the accused was all but sealed. Rumours had already done their damage, and the public had made up its mind. When it was over, ten lives were lost to the noose on Gallows Hill – names forever tied to one of the most infamous witch trials in English history.

Today, echoes of this history are woven into the landscape around Pendle Hill! You’ll spot reminders of it throughout the village and along the walking trails.

TOP TIPS FOR EXPLORING PENDLE HILL

• WEAR SUITABLE FOOTWEAR
  Walking boots are essential. It might seen like a no brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many people walk up Pendle Hill in trainers and flip flops! The route up Pendle Hill is rocky, uneven, and muddy and slippery by the Reservoir. The last thing you need is a rolled ankle, especially on Pendle Hill’s steep steps, which take a very long time to get up and down.

• PLAN YOUR ROUTE
  Phone signal on Pendle Hill is unreliable, so it’s best to plan your route in advance… or even better, check the map or screenshot the routes listed below!

• DOG WALKING
  Pendle Hill is a great walk for dogs that are used to longer, steeper routes. Just remember to keep them on a lead when heading up or down the steep steps as it keeps them safe and helps avoid tripping other walkers.

• BEST TIME TO VISIT
  Spring and early autumn are ideal for clear views without the crowds or summer heat. If you’re planning an early start, keep in mind The Avenue Car Park in Barley doesn’t open until 8am, so you’ll need to use nearby lay-by parking instead. You can also be part of ‘The Pendle Witches Interactive Ghost Walk’ which takes place throughout the year, including Halloween!

PENDLE HILL WALKS – ALL ROUTES

There’s more than one way to get to the top of Pendle Hill. Each route offers a slightly different experience, depending on how much time you’ve got and how steep you’re willing to go. All routes have the option to lead to the summit, so it’s just a case of choosing one!

You’ll find the map below near The Avenue Car Park in Barley. It lists four popular routes up Pendle Hill, each marked in a different colour – blue, green, pink, and black. Keep reading to learn more about each route.

🔵 PENDLE HILL SUMMIT CIRCULAR (VIA OGDEN RESERVOIR)

• Route: Blue > Black
• Time: 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate (with challenging parts due to steep stairs on the descent)
• Parking: 📍 The Avenue Car Park (8am – 9pm)

We recommend this Pendle Hill walk as it’s the best choice if you want a varied, pleasant hike that starts off easy and gets more challenging as you go.

Start at The Avenue Car Park in Barley. Walk out of the entrance, turn right, and head to the junction with Barley Lane. You’ll pass a route signpost here – follow the blue route, which eventually joins the black route (Pendle Way). Cross the road and take the narrow lane opposite, keeping the village hall on your left. This leads through Barley Green and climbs past the first reservoir (Ogden Clough). Just after the dam, the Pendle Way route joins in from the left.

From here, follow the ‘witch on a broomstick’ signs. This section of the walk includes streams, moorland, wildlife (frogs and toads are very common here), and some great water features near the Upper Reservoir.

After reaching the summit of Pendle Hill, continue on the wide track. Then, take the steep, stepped path down to the right. Be aware that this stairway is long and will test your legs, but the sweeping views across Lancashire and beyond make it well worth it!

🟢 THE PENDLE SCULPURE TRAIL

• Route: Green
• Time: 1 hour (Sculpture Trail only)
• Difficulty: Easy (with some short steep sections)
• Parking: 📍 The Avenue Car Park (8am – 9pm)

This is one of the easiest Pendle Hill walks and it’s perfect if you’re not planning to head all the way up to Pendle Hill. It’s a great option for families or first-timers looking for a gentle introduction to the area. That said, the trail does connect with the blue route, which leads up to Pendle Hill if you fancy taking it further (this would make the walk around 4 hours).

Starting from The Avenue Car Park in Barley, this route follows the Pendle Sculpture Trail – a family-friendly path featuring carved artworks inspired by the Pendle Witches and local folklore. It’s a mix of woodland paths, paved road, and gravel trails.

If you do want to extend the route, loop back through the car park and follow the blue route towards Ogden Reservoir and Pendle Hill.

🔴 PENDLE HILL STEEP WALKING ROUTE (FROM BARLEY LANE)

• Route: Pink > Black
• Time: 1-2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate (steep steps on the way down)
• Parking: 📍 Pendle Hill Lay-By Parking

If you’re short on time but want to reach the summit, this is the fastest way up and down. Park at the Pendle Hill Lay-By Parking spot on Barley Lane, then take the footpath toward Pendleside Farm and The Cauldron Pendle Hill Snack Bar. Follow the signs with the witch icon and head to the summit. On the way down, take the steep stone steps (black route) and turn off again at The Cauldron to return to your car.

⚫ PENDLE HILL STEPS LINEAR ROUTE (UP AND DOWN)

• Route colour: Black
• Time: 3 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Parking: 📍 The Avenue Car Park (8am – 9pm)

Not for the faint-hearted! If you’re up for the challenge, this straight up-and-down route will get your legs absolutely fired up. Start at The Avenue Car Park in Barley, take the footpath through Barley Park toward the Barley-War Memorial, then head into the village. From Barley Lane, follow Pendle Way and take the steep stepped path right up to the top.

This is a direct and strenuous option that’s great if you want more of a challenge and scenic route to the top of Pendle Hill. Of all the Pendle Hill walks, this one tests your stamina the most.

AFTER YOUR WALK TO PENDLE HILL

Once you’ve done the climb and descent, Pendle Inn is a reliable stop for hearty food and local ales. The atmosphere is laid-back and walker-friendly—muddy boots are welcome.

Just next door is Witches Galore, a quirky gift shop filled with all sorts of bits: spell books, homeware, witch-themed trinkets, tarot decks, and even retro sweets. It’s part tourist stop, part curiosity shop, and definitely worth a look if you’re exploring the Pendle Hill area.

Plan Your NEXT TRIP

We felt that these walks were the best way to experience Pendle, bringing its rich history to life while offering some truly breathtaking views along the way. If you’re planning your own trip to Lancashire or Pendle, feel free to add these Pendle Hill walks to your list. You can also click here to see more hidden gems in the north of the UK!

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