‘Jaw-dropping’ supernatural walk with eerie past and breathtaking views | UK | Travel

A scenic walking trail, passing an ancient quarry, a towering hill steeped in witchcraft lore, verdant farmlands and quaint villages, has been recognised as one of Lancashire’s premier walks.

Lancashire and its environs are intrinsically linked to the notorious Pendle Witch trials of 1612. The popular Walking With Witches trail guides walkers past significant sites associated with this ‘supernatural’ chapter in the area’s history.

However, the walk isn’t solely for those intrigued by the eerie. Offering stunning vistas and panoramic views, this trail is ideal for anyone who appreciates the great outdoors and seeks a sampling of nature’s finest offerings.

The journey commences from the Barley Car Park in Pendle, with ramblers having the choice between the Western Loop (four miles) or the Eastern Loop (three and a half miles).

Those opting for the Western Loop will traverse a footbridge over a babbling stream, leading first to the village of Newchurch.

This village is renowned for St Mary’s Church, which features the ‘eye of god’ painted on one side as a deterrent against evil, and a ‘witches grave’ marked with the name ‘Nutter’ near the porch – a seeming reference to the infamous ‘witch’ Alice Nutter. However, the date on the grave suggests it has no actual connection to Alice, reports Lancs Live.

The Western Loop continues to Faugh’s Quarry, the spot where the notorious ‘witch’ Demdike is said to have encountered the devil.

Walkers would then proceed to Moss End Farm, another crucial location in the Pendle Witch Trials as it was the residence of John Bullcock, who gave evidence against the accused witches and blamed them for the death of his wife Jane.

The route then guides hikers past Saddlers Farm (believed to have been Demdike’s home), which has since been transformed into the Shekinah Christian Centre.

Completing the Western Loop, walkers would pass Drivers Height Farm, make their way down the Upper Ogden Reservoir and return to Barley, all whilst enjoying spectacular views of Pendle Hill.

Pendle Hill remains synonymous with the Pendle Witch Trials, though there’s no concrete evidence that any of the trial’s pivotal events actually occurred on the hill itself.

Yet there’s more to its history than its supernatural associations – in 1652, writer and English Dissenter George Fox ascended Pendle Hill and whilst gazing out from its peak, experienced a vision that led him to establish the influential Quaker movement.

The summit of Pendle Hill, also referred to as The Big End, is thought to be the location of a Bronze Age burial mound.

A Tripadvisor review of Pendle Hill sees one visitor saying: « A walk up Pendle Hill is a must for every Lancastrian. If you weren’t blessed to be born in Gods-own-County, then standing at the trig point you will be able to tell your friends that you have seen the whole of Lancashire. Highly recommended walk (on a clear day). »

While another visitor writes: « Sunday morning walk/climb! Walking from the bottom straight up the front is absolutely brilliant testing not to stop but just keep pushing forward. It’s worth the views alone. And climbing back down the side was just as good with views 2nd to none. I will be doing this again soon. »

The Eastern Loop, meanwhile, guides walkers along the Pendle Way, passing Croft House Farm and crossing stiles and footbridges towards the village of Roughlee, a significant location in the Pendle Witch Trials.

Continuing past Crowtrees Farm, believed to have been Alice Nutter’s residence, hikers follow the picturesque trail before eventually returning to the car park.

Despite the region surrounding Pendle being associated with hauntings and a shadowy history, its stunning natural beauty remains undeniable – establishing it as a perfect destination for walking devotees (particularly those drawn to the paranormal).