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.

9 - Noggarth Ridge & Newchurch

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4 ½ miles

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Of all the villages hereabouts, Newchurch-in-Pendle is the most closely associated with tales of witchcraft. Our route of approach lies along the low, grassy ridge of Noggarth, which provides easy walking and grand sweeping views. The return to Roughlee is by way of some of the loveliest scenery in Pendleside, ending with a riverside walk of exquisite charm.

Parking: Roughlee. From the centre of the village drive along the Barley Road. In a little less than ½ mile you will come to a roadside parking space on the river bank (at the end of some white railings). Park at right angles to the road. Map Ref: 839 399

Route Directions

1. Walk up the road, cross the bridge, and follow the riverside path downstream.
   
2. At a point about opposite the parked car the path veers R, through hawthorns, and climbs the hillside diagonally to reach a stile where the fence meets the wall. Maintain direction (clear path), and when above caravan site bear R up to stile in front of reservoir pump house.
   
3. Turn R and cross cattle-grid onto enlcosed farm yard.
   
4. When confronted by two gates, take the RH one and keep straight on alongside wall on L.
   
5. At Noggarth Cottage maintain direction alongside tarmac lane for 50yds then turn right through gate/stile (FP sign). Beart L to go round end wall (not through gate) and on to stile (WM).
   
6. Turn L on farm road but don’t cross the cattle-grid. Turn R and follow fence. Keep straight on along ridge. There is no continuous path, but aim for the mast visible ahead, crossing a number of broken walls and then a line of stiles.
   
7. Pass to the R of the farm, and after next stile bear slightly R round wall corner and follow clear track to cottage and road.
   
8. Keep L along the road. In 40yds cross stile in railings on R and head L to stile. Turn R to follow farm road, with wall on R.
   
9. Immediately past first house turn right down farm yard.
   
10. On reaching gate turn R through stile and follow wall to next farm. Just past farm turn L off drive to stile, then head up to stile in wall on skyline. Keep striaght on towards church....