Pendle Hill from Barley

Pendle Hill rises to 557 metres above the Ribble Valley, a broad-backed whale of a hill with deep roots in Lancashire folklore and the famous 1612 witch trials. This 7.2km circuit from the village of Barley climbs steadily through enclosed farmland before breaking onto open moorland and the final steep pull to the summit plateau, where the views stretch across the Ribble Valley to the Bowland fells, the Yorkshire Dales and the distant Lake District on clear days. The hill has a stark, windswept character on top, with peat hags and rough grass giving way to the trig point. With 358 metres of ascent concentrated in a relatively short distance, the climb is direct and satisfying.

Off-lead potential on this dog friendly walk is limited throughout as sheep graze the open moorland and the farmland approaches year-round, so leads should be kept on for the entire route. The moorland carries rich scent from heather and peat, and the exposed summit gives a genuine sense of elevation and space. The final climb is steep and can be slippery in wet conditions, particularly on the eroded sections. Water is available from streams on the lower slopes but not on the summit. Barley village has the Pendle Inn and the Barley Mow restaurant, both welcoming dogs. The Barley car park has good facilities. Best tackled on a clear day when the panoramic views from the top justify the effort of the climb.