Walks In Lancashire Witch Country

Since 1612, when ten Pendle witches went to the scaffold, a magical aura has pervaded this wild and beautiful area of Lancashire. The guide’s 30 circular walks are all about 6 miles in length, making them ideal as half-day family rambles. Written and illustrated in the author’s unique style.

In 1612 ten ‘Pendle Witches” went to the scaffold. These depraved wretches and their supposed victims lived in the villages and farmsteads surrounding Pendle Hill. Though nearly four centuries have since elapsed, the drama has never been forgotten, and the mere mention of Pendle is enough to evoke visions of witchery and black magic. The aura of witches so pervades the area that you can scarce travel a mile without thinking of them.

But there’s more - much more - to Pendle than witches. For many folk the image of Lancashire is one of brash seaside resorts and dismal terraced streets in grimy mill towns, but the walker in Pendle will discover a Lancashire rich in natural beauty; a region which offers an exciting range of attractions varied enough to suit all conceivable tastes and interests:-

• wild, windswept, gritstone moorlands, whose moods alter with every subtle change of light and shade
• green and fertile valleys, with shadowy woodlands and exquisitely beautiful riverside walks
• gently rolling farmland, with patchwork fields and flowery meadows
• picturesque villages, historic buildings and hoary old farmsteads - each with a story to tell
• extensive and panoramic views
• relics of ancient civilizations
• shimmering lakes and reservoirs, nature reserves and country parks
• quiet, leafy lanes, canal towpaths, ancient packhorse trails and a vast network of public footpaths.

In the course of my exploratory wanderings I have talked with many farmers and local folk - good-natured people all, whose warm friendliness and kind help I have greatly appreciated.

In this modern life of bustle and stress there is no better form of escapism than a country walk. Whether you walk for bodily exercise, relaxation of the mind, or the enjoyment of natural scenery and places of interest, you will not be disappointed by what Pendle has to offer.

But enough of this. If you were born and bred in this area, as I was, you will love it and not need me to extol its virtues. If on, the other hand, you’ve not yet discovered Pendleside, then it’s really time you did something about it. So get your boots on and give it a try - you’ll be bewitched!