A second visit to climb Pendle Hill. On our last visit the cloud descended and spoilt most, if not all, photo opportunities. Sadly despite promised good weather the cloud descended once more - nevertheless a great walk up and around an iconic hill.
THE WALK
This walk starts and ends in the village of Downham. This picturesque village is on the north side of Pendle Hill and dates back to 14th Century and has a population of just 156. The current owner (2nd Lord Clitheroe) does not allow overhead electricity lines, aerials or satellite dishes, making the village a popular location for filming period dramas.
There is a carpark within the village but we managed to find some off street parking. There is also a 15th Century Church and a pub the Assheton Arms.
With boots on we set off north following the clear path through farm fields alongside Longlands Wood and onwards around the foot of Worsaw Hill. It is here you start to see the challenge ahead with Pendle Hill prominent on the horizon. You briefly leave the farm fields and join the road before beginning your ascent to the top. The first stage of the climb takes you past, and up on top of, a small ravine. The stunning views across the landscape reveal themselves with the market town of Clitheroe prominent on the horizon.
At our time of walking there had been some rain so some of the paths were boggy, so appropriate footwear is advised. The paths themselves are well sign posted and easy to follow. The final stage of the climb is a short but steep path to the top. Brief breaks in the cloud cover gave us tantalising views of the stunning 360 degree vistas - a summer visit is definitely on the cards.
Follow a number of Cairns to pick up the wide path that traverses the whole summit. This path also takes you past the Scounting Memorial Cairn (a prominent cairn that commemorates a former Clitheroe doctor and scout district commissioner Gordon 'Peri' Hampson, who died in 1985). There is also a shelter on top which is most welcome in the winter months.
Follow this wide path for around 2 miles before you pickup your path to decend back to Downham. It's here you can make a brief detour to the Trig point for more views across the landscape should you so wish. Given the weather we decided to head back down the hill.
The path to Downham is clearly marked with a stone waypoint. Follow this path as it zigs zags down off the hill and down into Downham village and your start point.
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