Without doubt, Pendle is home to some of the best country walking in the whole county.
Rolling hillsides, ancient woodlands, glistening reservoirs, idyllic villages & a whole web of intertwining footpaths, exploring these parts truly never gets old.
A staple rambling spot for me and my family throughout childhood, I’ve many a fond memory of visiting Pendle and continue to frequent its many trails to this day.
Of all the fantastic walks in the area however, there are a few which I feel certainly stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Interested? Let’s get to it 👇👇
Best Pendle Walks
Pendle Hill
Starting with the region’s most iconic walk, Pendle Hill continues to attract droves of visitors each year due to its dark history around witchcraft & jaw-dropping views from above.
Fun fact – Synonymous with the Pendle Witch trails of 1612, Pendle Hill also shares strong ties with the Quaker movement which was founded after George Fox experienced a religious vision atop of the summit.
With several trails leading to the summit, our favourite has always been the walk starting from Barley.
Standing at an imposing 1827 feet, the brief but steep ascent up Pendle Hill is sure to prove a challenge – although the vantage points you’re rewarded to from up top are simply astounding.
Overlooking Lancashire and into the Yorkshire Dales, on a clear day you may even be able to pinpoint Blackpool Tower!
A trail that’s well signposted and easy to follow throughout – look out for the sign posts of the pendle witch on her broomstick.
For the full lowdon, be sure to head on over to our Pendle Hill Walk Guide here 👈
Pendle Sculpture Trail & Aitken Wood
For those who don’t fancy the steep climb up Pendle Hill or are simply looking for something a little different, the Pendle Sculpture Trail is a cracking choice for all ages and abilities.
Winding through Aitken Wood, this scenic 5-kilometre ramble includes a variety of interesting and quirky sculptures inspired by the Pendle Witches and rich history of the local area.
Eye-catching artistry, gorgeous scenery and a fantastic way to learn more about the area’s riveting past, Pendle sculpture artist Ngaire Jackson describes the Pendle Sculpture Trail as having ‘a magical quality.’
After visiting for yourself, I think you’ll be hard pressed to disagree.
Ogden Reservoirs & Fell Wood
Often overshadowed by the two more popular walks highlighted above, the tranquil & picturesque trails around the Ogden reservoirs remain criminally underappreciated in my opinion.
Home to Upper Ogden & Lower Ogden, the shimmering waters and untouched countryside really do make for some fabulous walking and is perfect for those wanting a trail on the quieter side.
Located just half a mile from the village of Barley, the reservoirs are also surrounded by forestry spanning over 57 acres; the largest of the bunch being Fell Wood which you can also explore during your walk.
From Barley car park, simply make your way over the village bridge and cross the T junction, following signs for Barley Green. Stick to the paved path and you’ll soon begin the short incline up to the reservoirs.
Downham, Worsaw Hill, and Chatburn
Visiting Downham almost feels like stepping into a time capsule.
Unspoilt by the tides of change, the village has maintained its old-fashioned charm through the years and has even previously been dubbed the prettiest village in Lancashire.
While it is possible to walk to Pendle Hill from Downham, my favourite trail here has to be this fantastic 5-mile circular route devised by The Walking Englishman.
Another quieter trail taking you through quintessential Lancashire countryside, this particular ramble also incorporates Worsaw Hill, Fairy Bridge and Downham Bridge; meaning you’ll never be short of attractive sights to see.
Top tip – With Downham being known for its tasty local ice-cream, don’t forget to treat yourself to a scoop or two after finishing your trek!
Gawthorpe Hall & Hag Wood
Just a short 15-minute drive from Barley, this 8-kilometre circular route takes you along the river Calder, into the surrounding ancient woodlands of Hag Wood and through the historic grounds of Gawthorpe Hall.
Built at the start of the 17th Century and redesigned in the 1850s by Sir Charles Berry – architect of the Houses of Parliament – this Elizabethan country house is nowadays run by the National Trust and Lancashire County Council.
Originally home to the Kay-Shuttleworth family who lived in the hall for over 400 years, the grounds today are open to the public with visits inside the building available via appointment.
For particularly adventurous types, you can actually walk to Pendle Hill from Hag Wood. Taking roughly 2 hours to reach Barley along a largely uphill footpath however, safe to say this route variation is solely reserved for veteran ramblers!
Click here for the full route info on Hag Wood & Gawthorpe Hall 👈
Tolkien Trail
Last but certainly not least, there was no way this walk couldn’t make the list!
While a 30-minute drive from Barley Village, the Tolkien Trail remains one of the North West’s most recognisable walks, attracting ramblers from across the globe each year for its ties with the great fantasy author J.R.R. Tolkien.
Famed for his works of ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, it’s rumoured that Pendle’s landscape greatly inspired Tolkien during his time living in the Ribble Valley; particularly Pendle Hill which is rumoured to be the basis for the ‘misty mountain’.
Starting from the quaint village of Hurst Green, throughout this trail you’ll enjoy glorious views of Pendle as you explore the very same trails Tolkien wandered along.
Perfect for middle-earth fanatics, there’s also the Shireburn Arms Pub conveniently situated at the end of the circular walk for an ale and some well earned pub grub! What more could you ask for?
Click here to head on over to our Ultimate Tolkien Trail Guide 👈
More resources
With Pendle being situated in the stunning Forest of Bowland, there’s an almost endless array of walks to explore here.
Why not check out our ‘9 Best Forest of Bowland Walks’ if you’d like some more walking inspiration?
Likewise, we also have a large catalogue of Lancashire walking guides which are well worth a mooch!
Happy walking 🚶🚶