Lancashire Witches Walk

The Lancashire Witches Walk was conceived and developed to provide a themed and enjoyable walking route linking locations associated with the legendry transportation and trial of the Pendle Witches in the time of James 1st. Nine women from the Pendle Hill area were among a group accused of witchcraft and transported to Lancaster where they were tried and convicted. They were hung at Lancaster in August 1612. This episode is the most famous of the witch trials which took place in England and was partly influenced by King James aversion to witchcraft and magic.

The route, from Barrowford to Lancaster Castle, provides a variety of countryside along its journey. Lovely wooded valleys which contrast with high and really wild moorland fells and a couple of small historic urban areas, often giving magnificent views, are its main features.

In the guidebook the route is described in 14 short sections and we have grouped these to suggest five easy day walks and overnight stops as follows:

Day 1
Barrowford to Barley 3.2 miles
Barley to Rigg of England 3.7 miles
Rigg of England to Higham 2 miles

Day 2
Higham to Law Farm 3.6 miles
Law Farm to Read Old Bridge 2 miles
Read Old Bridge to Clitheroe 4.9 miles

Day 3
Clitheroe to Hancocks Farm 3 miles
Hancocks Farm to Fell Side 3.7 miles
Fell Side to Slaidburn 2.1 miles

Day 4
Slaidburn to Lanshaw 2.1 miles
Lanshaw to High Salter 8.6 miles
High Salter to Deep Clough 2.3 miles

Day 5
Deep Clough to Crook O’Lune 5.7 miles
Crook O’Lune to Lancaster Castle 4.9 miles

The guide book, which would be required to walk this route includes Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Explorer maps with the route very clearly outlined. There are also some full colour photographs and contact information for planning transport and accommodation and a fascinating brief history of the Pendle Witches.

 

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