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What makes Pendle Hill an experience worth taking part in? Well, there are plenty of reasons! From the true tale of the Pendle Witches to how the Quaker Movement came into being, Pendle Hill will open up a completely new world of wonders for you. Those who love loitering around in the countryside and find joy in lively towns, this is an experience you just cannot miss out on. Many people think that the history of Pendle Hill is still in the making. By visiting the place, you will be adding to its story, and so, becoming a part of this destination forever.
If you plan on visiting Pendle Hill during your stay in England, then read on to find everything you need to know about this tourist attraction.
An untamed place in east Lancashire, England, Pendle Hill serves as an enchanting destination for any traveller who loves exploring mysterious lands on foot or on bicycle. The popular towns around Pendle Hill include Clitheroe, Burnley, and Nelson, which also make for good holiday destinations.
Cycle Circuit
Open 7am to 10am every day, except Saturdays
On Saturday, open from 7am to 9am
Note: Cycle circuit is not accessible to the public on days it is booked out.
The Pendle Hill is a delightful place for people who love to pedal and to walk around. The highlights of the Pendle Hill experience include:
In July 2014, the Steven Burke Cycle Circuit saw the light of day. The cycle circuit is named so to honour the famous Olympic Gold Medallist from Colne. The centre facilitates cycle training for both children and adults. When not reserved, the Steven Burke Cycle Circuit is open to the public. You can take short rides meant for beginners or take part in the professional cycle races. The circuit is 1.1km long and access to it is absolutely free.
For a harder cycle circuit, go for the Pendle Cycle Tour. It is a 17-mile route, that is not only challenging, but also gives you some of the most stunning views of the countryside. If you want to pass through some scenic villages sprinkled across a cycling trail, then take this on-road route for your cycling experience at Pendle Hill. The ride can take up to 4 hours, and so beginners may want to skip it.
A 45-mile long circular walk, the Pendle Way is one of the major attractions at Pendle Hill. The walk is divided into eight sections. Each of these sections, have distinct experiences lined up for you. While one segment features the lairs where the Pendle Witches practised their witchcraft, another part hides the spot of the Spectral Horseman. Strewn across the eight sections of the Pendle Way are gorgeous moors, hills with spectacular views, iridescent waterfalls and the earliest churches that you will ever set eyes on.
Want to get pampered after walking the Pendle Way or cycling one of the routes at Pendle Hill? The best place to do so, is the Pendle Leisure Trust at Colne, in Lancashire. To take the plunge, literally, visit the Pendle Wavelengths in Nelson with your family. Here you can swim, while your children can enjoy roof-high waterslides. A two-hour spa appointment awaits you at the Inside Spa in Nelson, which involves eight multi-sensory spa experiences. Enjoy a relaxing foot spa, which is highly recommended after a crazy trekking experience at Pendle Hill.
The Steven Burke Cycle Circuit is free for the public. However, on days that it is booked out, access will not be granted. The walks and the cycling routes too are free of charge.
While Steven Burke Cycle Circuit is recommended for both children and adults as well as beginners and pros, the Pendle Cycle Tour with its challenging terrain should be avoided by novices. Why not go for the walking tour instead? The Pendle Way is for everyone! The only thing to keep in mind is that the tour covers different types of landscapes, each with its own tests. For instance, there are muddy stretches that you will have to cross, and so you might want to wear waterproof boots that are sturdy. Also pick waterproof clothing, carry a map of the route, a compass, and ensure you have enough time in hand for the walk to be truly memorable.
Here are some facts and mysterious stories about Pendle Hill that will fill you with wonder and make you want to visit this place immediately:
Pendle Hill is overflowing with mysteries! The Hill is considered to be the abode of the Pendle Witches. In fact, the whole of Lancashire is called Witch County! In 1612, these witches were tried for witchcraft, and then executed, which makes Pendle Hill an eerie attraction among tourists, flocking to this destination from all parts of the world. Today, you can even shop at Witches Galore, a store in Pendle that sells goodies which will both thrill you and send a shiver down your spine at the same time! You can find a whole lot of gruesome gifts that you can buy for your friends and family, from Halloween outfits to postcards and pictures.
Pendle Hill was once a hunting ground, full of wild boars and wolves. Today, the place is still untamed which lends it a rustic appeal. With hamlets all around and a landscape that is a blessing to anyone who loves taking challenging walks, Pendle Hill is a place straight out of an Emily Bronte novel. The rumours of it being haunted only add further to its attraction among travellers.
George Fox hiked to the Pendle Hill summit in 1652 and was so inspired by its breath-taking beauty, that he established the Quaker Movement. The Quaker Movement is also referred to as the Religious Society of Friends. The members of the worldwide Quaker Movement did not believe in religious ceremonies and were of the opinion that Presence is in each one of us. They were persecuted for their ideas. Nonetheless, their views and philosophies spread across Britain in the 1650s, and within less than a decade, there were 50,000 Quakers. A whole movement happened because one man climbed the Pendle Hill, so you can easily imagine what power it holds!
The Pendle Walking Festival is a participatory event that takes you around various locations in Pendle. The admission is free, but if you decide to get a guide (which is recommended for a better experience), then you will be charged. The price varies on a day-to-day basis. There are a variety of walks that one can go for. You have easy walks for all ages and abilities, and some challenging ones like the Pendle Way.
The Pendle Hill, apart from the walking and cycling experience, also allows the visitors to see one of the world’s last working mill engines. It is also home to Britain’s single longest canal. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal, built more than 200 years ago, is one of the most charming waterways in the country. If you want to follow the canal on foot, then you can choose from a variety of Tacklers Trail options available.
