Pendle Hill

This is one of my favourite walks when I want a proper bit of exercise without overthinking it. Honestly, if you get up Pendle Hill a couple of times a week, you do start wondering what the gym is for.

I usually park on the road part way up, then head past the Cauldron snack bar and cafe before picking up the path for Pendle Hill. From there it is straight into the climb, with the steps doing their job very quickly. In warm weather they can be a proper burn, but that is part of the appeal. It is short, steep, and it gets the legs and lungs working from the off.

As you climb Pendle Hill, the views start to open up bit by bit, and you can feel the weather changing as you get higher. If it’s windy at the top, it can be a proper relief after the effort, and it helps keep you cool once you’ve done the hard bit.

When you reach the top, Pendle Hill feels amazing. From the summit plateau, follow the path across to the trig point, with broad views over the Ribble Valley and out towards the wider Lancashire countryside. It is the sort of place where you end up standing there for an extra minute, just because you can.

Then it is simply a case of following the path back down to the road. The route is straightforward, but it still earns its keep. Quick, honest, and guaranteed to wake you up.

If you’re looking for a shorter Pendle Hill outing that still packs in a satisfying climb, this is the one I’d pick.