Pendle Hill from Downham Village

At a Glance

Distance

7.5 km (4.7 miles)

Difficulty

Hard

Duration

3 hr

Walk Type

Peak, Moorland

Route Type

Circular

Off Lead Potential

Low

Livestock Risk

High

Facilities

Public toilets in Downham village car park, plus the dog friendly Assheton Arms pub and small cafe nearby.

Parking

Downham village pay and display car park (BB7 4BS), roughly 30 spaces, can fill early at weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Pendle Hill from Downham Village dog friendly?

  Pendle Hill from Downham scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it a solid choice for most dogs who are comfortable on open moorland. The route passes through sheep pasture and open access land, so it suits confident, well-trained dogs rather than easily excitable ones. After the walk, the Assheton Arms back in Downham village welcomes walkers and their dogs.

• Can dogs be off lead at Pendle Hill from Downham Village?

  There are sections of open access moorland on the route where dogs can enjoy more freedom, but leads are essential through the farm fields and on the summit ridge during ground-nesting bird season. The lower pastures have sheep and occasional cattle, so a short lead is required in those areas throughout the year. It's worth being honest about your dog's recall before deciding where to let them off.

• What should I know before visiting Pendle Hill from Downham Village with my dog?

  The climb onto the plateau is steep and can be eroded in places, so this walk is best suited to dogs who are fit and surefooted — and it's wise to pick a clear day given the exposed moorland summit at 557 metres. Sheep and cattle are present on the lower pastures, so a reliable lead is a must. Parking is at the pay and display car park in Downham village (BB7 4BS), which has around 30 spaces and public toilets on site — arrive early at weekends as it can fill up quickly.

Downham Village Car Park, Downham, Clitheroe

53.8926, -2.3286