Pendle Hill circular: History, hills, and haunting legends

Rising above the quiet Lancashire countryside, Pendle Hill is steeped in history, myth, and sweeping views — and the classic route from Barley Green is the perfect way to experience it all.

Starting in the welcoming village of Barley, the trail follows a steady path past Barley Green Reservoir. The route is short but punchy — a clear, stepped path leads to the broad summit plateau, where the reward is a panoramic sweep over the Ribble Valley, the Forest of Bowland, and even out towards the Yorkshire Dales on a good day.

But Pendle Hill’s real draw isn’t just the view — it’s the stories that cling to it. This is witch country, home to the infamous Pendle Witch Trials of 1612, when twelve locals were accused of sorcery in one of England’s most notorious witch hunts. Even today, walking its slopes feels charged with the echoes of that dark past. Yet there’s also a quieter, spiritual side here: in 1652, George Fox, founder of the Quakers, climbed Pendle and felt a powerful religious awakening that would spark a movement felt around the world.

For hikers, Pendle Hill offers a perfect half-day outing — a solid climb, rich history, and a landscape that tells a thousand stories. Whether you’re here for the folklore, the fitness, or simply the fresh air, a walk up from Barley Green captures everything that makes Britain’s smaller hills so special: character, challenge, and a sense of connection to something much older than the path beneath your boots.

Pendle Hill circular route description

Stage 1 – Barley Green to Ogden Reservoirs

To start the walk exit the car park onto the pavement and walk towards the cross roads. Cross over the road and go straight ahead following the lane signed “Barley Green”. Follow the road around, ignore the footpath that leads up a rocky incline to your right and go through the gate and continue down the lane. The lane will shortly rise steeply towards Lower Ogden Reservoir which will be on your left as you approach. Keep on the track down the right side of the reservoir, you will cross a cattle grid as it heads towards Ogden Clough, with views over the water to Fell Wood.

Just past Lower Ogden Reservoir, the path is joined by the Pendle Way. Here the track starts to climb, it then levels off again and enters partial tree cover. The track then descends towards the base of Upper Ogden Reservoir. Pass over the stile by a metal gate, and head up to the start of the reservoir. Follow the yellow arrow markers directing you down the right side of the reservoir and along a slightly boggy path hugging the reservoir next to a fence.

Stage 2 – Ogden reservoirs to Boar Clough

Here you can take the time to enjoy the views on offer on a beautiful bench provided by the family of hillwalker Ali Watson with the plaque reading ‘rest awhile and enjoy one of his favourite places’. Shortly you will pass through a wooden kissing gate and follow the path along the side of the wall, before climbing to Ogden Clough. The path from here is grassy underfoot as you continue along towards a wooden gate in a wall. Head through the gate, and continue diagonally right up a stony path. Soon the path descends to a small stream. Turn right up the hill, initially the path is quite sketchy, soon you will reach a wooden way-marker. Keep heading in the same direction past the way-marker, the path makes its way across to Boar Clough. Continues along as it starts to gently climb and is marked along the way by small cairns.

Stage 3 – Boar Clough to Pendle Hill summit

Shortly you cross over a stream and head up a short steep ascent. At the top of the ascent you will see the marker directing you straight ahead towards the summit. Here you are also able to take the path to the left which heads towards Nick of Pendle. Continue straight ahead, along a path that is boggy and fairly narrow. You will follow this path along for approximately a mile before reaching another summit marker directing you back across the stream and through the metal gate. Follow the path up to the summit – hopefully you get a good day and can spend some time admiring the views. We weren’t so lucky on this trip but it was still a really good walk.

As you approach the trig point there are paths to both the left and right. Once ready to set off again take the path to the left. Follow this down where you shortly meet a wall with a gate. Do not go through the gate, instead follow the path down to the right keeping the wall on your left. A short while further you reach the Pendle Way guide post – take a right here and follow the path as it starts to descend. The descent becomes much steeper shortly, before turning into man-made steps.

Stage 4 – Pendle Hill summit to Barley Green

Eventually as the descent levels out a little, it bends around to the left and takes you through a wooden kissing gate. Here you will find cafe refreshments if required, if not just follow the yellow arrow diagonally to the right and across a field, keeping the large tree on your left which is close to the farm buildings. There is a fence surrounding the tree which you need to pass by, and then pass through the wooden kissing gate, by the side of a larger wooden gate.

Continue the gradual descent through the field along the side of the left hand wall, and pass through the kissing gate. Head diagonally right across the field, passing the telegraph pole and then through another kissing gate, and continue along the path towards another kissing gate in the wall. Head through this, then turn left by the side of the wall along the gravel path, passing through another kissing gate.

Once through the gate, take the immediate right turn along the track towards a couple of cottages, turning left just before you reach them through a kissing gate and heading straight down the lane for a few yards. Follow this path all the way back, take a right at the road to return to the village where there are a couple of pubs as well as the kiosk at the car park to get refreshments.

Where to eat and drink after hiking Pendle Hill

The Pendle Inn and Barley Mow are located in the village and are both good options for food and drink following the hike. The Pendle Inn offers great comfort food and also has rooms available in their Annex located next door to the pub. Expect your usual pub classics as well as a selection of homemade pies with a choice of fillings. They offer a Sunday Lunch menu as well as a children’s menu.

The Barley Mow also serves hearty pub classics and has six premium en-suite guest bedrooms available for making the most of your visit. On the restaurant menu starters range from £7 for their homemade soup to £9.50 for chicken tenders. A selection of sandwiches or salads range in price starting from £13.95 up to £18.95 for the gourmet steak sandwich. If you fancy something from the grill there is an 8oz rump (£24), 10oz sirloin (£31) or a 12oz flat iron (£33) — with optional extras of peppercorn sauce (£2.95) or garlic and chilli butter (£1.50). The classic mains section ranges in price from £16.95 for the Maple glazed bacon chop up to £24.95 for the Nduja chicken. A selection of sides is available as well as a five options for dessert — including a sticky toffee pudding (£7.95) and a dark chocolate tart (£7.95).

If you are looking for more of a fine dining experience within the area then look no further than Eight At Gazegill by Doug Crampton. Located on the southern flank of Pendle Hill this stunning restaurant is situated on a working farm and is approximately 20-minute drive from Barley car park.

Pics from the peaks: more from Pendle Hill