Downham - Pendle Hill

Jim Grindle

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The lovely Lancashire village of Downham, once the location for the film 'Whistle down the Wind', is now undergoing an invasion by TV makers and fans of 'Born and Bred'. It is undeniably pretty and the bulk of Pendle Hill dominating the skyline should also attract the hill-walker.

The pastoral landscape around the village of Downham is in great contrast to the steeper moorland of Pendle. After the first climb, a flatter area is followed by a gentle climb on an old track to the summit plateau. Extensive views of the Lancashire landscape can be enjoyed before taking another track which heads back to the fields and farms around Downham.

This walk uses an old, winding track to reach the summmit and another to descend by - nothing really steep for very long. The lower parts of the walk are in pastures - charming for those who don't have to work in them.

Please note Angela's feedback, some dogs may struggle with stiles on this walk.

England - North England - Lancashire - Pennines

Features

Cafe, Church, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Moor, Pub, Public Transport, Tea Shop, Toilets

9/28/2013 - mark archer

Good walk! A real trek up the side of Pendle but the zigzags made it a more pleasant ascent than the Big End steps on the other side. The footbridge at WP17 was clear with no obstructions - see Alex's comments. Approaching WP18, Jim states there is no distinct path however if you follow bearing of 270 degrees, you should have no problems. The next footbridge at WP19 is on a bearing of 220 degrees. I really struggled initially to see the stile at WP22 and it lies half left after you leave WP21. Look for the protruding stile post as the stile is camouflaged. After this point, arrows try to deflect you northwards but persevere to find other arrows taking you to WP24. Otherwise, a straight forward walk on a beautiful September day!

4/23/2012 - alec jackson

Did the walk today (23/4/12). Reached waymark 17 (barn conversion). The footbridge in the bottom of the gully has been blocked off at each end (can send photo if required). The footpath sign goes along side of the barn and can be followed through several fields and across the stream by stepping blocks but I had some problems just after. Walked through farmyard and up track and back on the route just before waymark 22 (farm track mentioned in waymark 21).

5/25/2009 - angela mckay

DID THIS WALK TODAY WITH KIDS AND DOGS. REALLY STRUGGLED WITH DOGS AS QUITE A FEW OF THE STILES ARE ENORMOUS EVEN FOR A YOUNG AGILE WEIMERAMER - HAD TO LIFT HIM OVER ONE OR TWO OF THEM (ESPECIALLY THE LADDERBACK ONE ON APPROACH TO THE SUMMIT)!! FABULOUS VIEWS THOUGH. WAYMARKER 17 IS NO LONGER A DERELICT BARN ITS NOW A GORGEOUS BARN CONVERSION.