Pendle Hill

Getting There:
Use Clitheroe as a base from where you can reach Whalley by bus or train then bus back from Downham (be warned: there is no Sunday service in winter).



Where To Stay:
Clitheroe has a wide range of accommodation.


Let’s leave it to the pedants to dispute what’s a hill and what’s a mountain…anything over 609.6074 metres?


Pendle Hill is a hill and proud of it; the usual interpretation of its name is Hill-hill Hill, so there should be no dispute to its status. Standing alone prominently in view from much of Lancashire, it’s no surprise Pendle Hill carries with it a load of history.


In the early 17th century, witch hunts scoured its slopes; 40 years later George Fox was “moved of the Lordâ€? and climbed it “with much adoâ€?. He experienced a vision on top that led to the foundation of the Society of Friends, or Quakers.


Fox comments on the steepness of the ascent. This is particularly noticeable in the customary route from Barley, but this circuit doesn’t really grasp the full grandeur of Pendle. The best route on the hill is a complete traverse from Whalley to Downham. This makes a long ascent with easy-striding gradients.


There’s a road crossing at Nick O’Pendle, infamous among cyclists, then a breezy ridge, a tight clough and finally a flagged path across wide moorland before the broad top. Pendle’s prominence is repaid in wide views.


Drop down the northern switchbacks, overlooking the green valley of the Ribble, then wind gently through fields to Downham. From Whistle down the wind to Born and Bred, the village has been a favourite with film and TV crews. The bus stop is handly placed just a short stagger from the Assheton Arms.


1 Nick O'Pendle - The last road crossing till the final stages. The road up from Sabden is regulary used in cycling hill climbs (ouch)

2 Ogden Clough - Cross the stream here to begin the final ascent - mostly on flagstones - to the top.

3 Summit of Pendle Hill - Expansive views encompass the Pennines, Forest of Bowland and the long green sweep of the Ribble Valley.