Pendle Hill Circuit
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No pub, no café, no giftshop, no loos and no public transport; so why take this route? Simply because it's the most logical and satisfying way of seeing the whole of Pendle Hill. The route starts at good car parking at Nick of Pendle and rises to the north-east, gradually gaining height - the only ones out of breath will be fell runners on a training run!
After reaching a flat col, the route continues up by a stream before taking a good paved footpath up to the summit, otherwise known as 'Big End'. The route then follows the northern rim of the summit plateau and includes a shelter, which will help prevent your sandwiches being blown away if the weather is windy.
From the shelter the route continues along the rim of the plateau by a large cairn, rebuilt by local scouts. From here the path is faint but the way is easy. It might require a bit more serious navigation if the mist descends, but an easy 'fixit' is given in the route description. Shortly after that the route rejoins the outward leg near the flat col.
Pick a clear day for this walk – the navigation will be less stressful and you will have a panorama stretching from the Fylde Coast to the Yorkshire Dales. (Prepare for arguments about whether it is Ingleborough or Pen-y-Ghent, but how many will be able to identify the peaks of the Forest of Bowland to the north-west? And yes, that probably is Blackpool Tower!)
'Pendle, oh Pendle, thou standest alone', goes the song - and so it does. Pendle Hill dominates most of central Lancashire, an obvious landmark from much further afield. All those lucky enough to be born Lancastrian should climb the hill at least once, whilst those less fortunate will still have a fine day out.
Oh, you will find pubs, cafes, giftshops and loos in most of the delightful villages scattered round the hill; try Sabden, Barley, Pendleton and Downham to start with, or visit Clitheroe which is only a short drive away.
England - North England - Lancashire - Pennines
Features
Great Views, Hills or Fells, Moor
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Accommodation
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