Pendle Hill Barley Loop

Pendle Hill is one of those walks that feels bigger than the numbers suggest. It is a well-known Lancashire hill, but it still delivers a proper sense of space once you leave the lanes behind and begin the climb. The route rises from the Ribble Valley onto open hillside, with the summit gradually pulling you higher above the surrounding farmland and villages.

This walk is a straightforward and rewarding outing, ideal when you want a half-day hill with a clear objective and excellent views. On a good day you can see across the Ribble Valley, out towards the Yorkshire Dales, and over to other familiar hills in East Lancashire. The final pull to the top is the main effort, but it is never far from the kind of landscape that makes Pendle such a favourite.

Although it is one of the most popular hills in the area, Pendle still has a wild feel in poor weather, especially once the cloud drops over the upper slopes. Good footwear is worth having, as paths can be muddy and slippery after rain. In clear conditions though, this is a brilliant introduction to the area and an easy one to return to again and again.