Pendle Witch Walk takes visitors through witch trial history

Set against the backdrop of Pendle Hill, the route takes visitors through the village landscapes linked to one of England’s most infamous witch trials, allowing walkers to follow in the footsteps of people whose names are still remembered more than 400 years later.

The Pendle witches story dates back to 1612, when 12 people from the area around Pendle Hill were accused of witchcraft. Most were connected to two rival families, the Demdikes and the Chattoxes, whose long-running feud became caught up in a wider investigation.

The accused were eventually tried at Lancaster Castle, with 10 people executed after being found guilty.

Today, their story has become one of Lancashire’s most famous pieces of folklore and heritage.

The walking route explores many of the places connected to the trials, beginning in and around the villages beneath Pendle Hill before passing through countryside that has changed little since the 17th century.

One of the most popular sections starts in Barley, a village often used as a gateway to Pendle Hill. From there, walkers can explore the surrounding area, including Newchurch-in-Pendle, where visitors can find the so-called “witches’ grave” bearing the Nutter name, a reference linked to one of the accused, Alice Nutter.

The route also takes in sites associated with stories from the trials, including locations where some of the accused were said to have lived or met, as well as viewpoints across the landscape that became forever linked with the events of 1612.

While the history attracts visitors from around the world, the scenery is equally impressive. The route passes beneath Pendle Hill, which rises to 557 metres and dominates the skyline across much of East Lancashire.

Pendle Hill has been named among the most scary walking routes in the UK (Image: Getty)

Walkers are rewarded with sweeping views over the Ribble Valley, Burnley and the surrounding countryside.

For those wanting a longer challenge, Lancashire is also home to the Pendle Witches Walking Trail, a route based on part of the journey taken when the accused witches were marched to trial at Lancaster in 1612.

The trail begins at the Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford.

More than four centuries after the trials, the Pendle witches remain woven into the identity of the area.

From statues and heritage attractions to walking routes and annual events, their story continues to draw thousands of visitors to East Lancashire every year.

For walkers looking to combine a countryside hike with a fascinating piece of Lancashire history, few routes are quite as memorable as the Pendle Witch Walk.