Countryside
If you love the great outdoors, then you are in for a treat. Within just a few minutes drive is some of the most superb scenery in the UK. The mighty Pendle Hill dominates the landscape. From the summit the views to both east and west are truly spectacular.
Pendle Hill, Boulsworth Hill and Weets Hill make up our three local peaks. Why not try Pendle’s Three Peaks or try the 20 odd miles of the beautiful West Craven Way over a weekend.
If you and your family want an easier ramble try our Pendle Canal Walks. If you like nature you’ll love Pendle’s Reservoir Walks. The towpath of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal that we use for the Pendle Canal Walks is also part of the Pennine Cycleway which forms a number of great Family Cycle Rides.
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An ever popular route is The Pendle Way. Starting at the Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford this route circles the district but is split into eight manageable “chunks”. The cycling equivalent of The Pendle Way is the Grand Cycle Tour of Pendle, featuring equally “chunky” ascents, as well as thrilling descents!
For literary enthusiasts, starting in the village of Trawden you can meander along ancient pack horse trails to Wycoller Country Park and its Bronte associations. This walk is one of the walks in Pendle’s Six Circular Walks Pack. Also in Wycoller Country Park is a great walk with a difference - the Atom Trail. “The Atom” is a Panopticon – a fascinating sculpture with a magnificent view, one of a number of Panopticans you can see on the Panopticons Trail.
If you like your walking with a bit of historical interest Pendle can really bring it alive for you. There’s the Walking With Witches Trail, as well as The Tackler’s Trails.
There’s a whole host of great routes you can explore for yourself, either by bike, or on foot, but if you want to enjoy Pendle’s magical scenery in the company of others why not join us for the annual Pendle Walking Festival and for the Freedom Rides programme of guided Cycle rides every Summer.
Download some of our great walking and cycling routes here.
Walks
Family and Short Walks
Pendle has a number of great easy walks, including a series of three Walks Around The Reservoirs, and a series of four scenic canal walks, which feature Alkincoats Local Nature Reserve.
Medium Walks
Walk the Witches Trail if you dare! Immerse yourself in the ancient practice of Beating The Bounds; Be inspired by a walk in the footsteps of the Bronte sisters, and climb Pendle's magnificent Three Peaks.
Long Walks
The Pendle Way offers visitors a great way to explore the area. It's 45 miles is split into eight enjoyable "chunks". Or why not explore the beautiful North Eastern corner of Pendle on the amazing West Craven Way?
Heritage and Art Walks
Explore the heritage and culture of Pendle on walks that will intrigue you. Walk the Tacklers' Trails which centre on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and The Atom Trail with its beautiful views.
Tramper
The Tramper is a specially designed four wheel drive all-terrain electric buggy which can be used off road and even on rough ground, mud and grass by those with limited mobility.
Pendle Walking Festival
The festival runs every year in Early September. It features free guided walks for all abilities, from 2 miles to 14 miles, from moderate to hard walks. There's walks for families, history walks, and a good range of challenging walks too. New programme available each year in June.
Cycling
Family and Short Cycle Routes
Families will love the easy gradients on these routes, as they go along the towpath of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Stop off at Pendle Heritage Centre or visit Thornton Hall Farm.
Medium/Long Cycle Routes
Whether you ride around the beautiful valleys and villages in Bowland, or take The Grand Cycle Tour of Pendle you will enjoy fantastic cycling and terrific views.
Mountain Biking
Discover some of the finest mountain biking in the north. Ride Lancashire’s Bowland Fells and Pennine hills. Pedal across untamed moorland, and grapple with forest trails.
Pendle has magnificent countryside, play this video to find out more
