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Exploring Pendle

Where did Charlotte Bronte find the inspiration for Ferndean Manor in Jane Eyre?

Wycoller Hall, a 16th century beautiful ruin in the tiny ancient hamlet of Wycoller, sits at the centre of a most magical Country Park with its very own craft cente. A pretty beck babbles past the hall, beneath a series of little bridges, including one of the oldest in Britain, and between the weavers' cottages, following the path that was trodden so often by the Bronte girls as they explored the South Pennine Moors. Discover the romantic history of Wycoller as well as its fascinating landscape and wildlife.

History and legend has woven a spell over Pendle. Pendle Hill rises above this ancient hunting ground, once the home of wolves and wild boar and to this day dotted with tiny hamlets and farms. It is still an untamed place, full of mystery and infamous as the home of the Pendle Witches who were tried and executed for witchcraft in 1612.

The landscape, carved out by man and by nature, welcomes walkers and countryside enthusiasts. Long distance walks, such as the 43-mile Pendle Way and parts of the Bronte Way, combine history with stunning scenery, with plenty of country inns and farmhouses to provide most congenial rest and refreshment along the way.

A cruise along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal offers a unique view of Pendle's scenery, as does on and off-road cycling, and there are many shorter one-day walks, retracing events which led to the execution of the Pendle Witches, or following in George Fox's footsteps to discover the vision that led to his creation of the Quaker Movement.

This is the land where Cotton became King in the 18th century, and Pendle's towns and villages, built on huge textile wealth, are as handsome today as they ever were, with thriving markets, bustling shops and proud, Victorian architecture. Many of the mills have become factory shops, brilliant for textile and fashion bargains.

West Craven

West Craven is a tranquil part of Pendle and forms part of the Pendle Way and Pennine Way encompassing breathtaking scenery. The area offers a central location for many attractions and delivers an annual programme of events ranging from an Annual Town Crier competition to Balloons over Barlick. The area also pays homage to the textile industry via the Bancroft Mill Museum and to the lead mining industry with a museum in Earby. Visit www.westcravenonline.org.uk for an interactive tour of the area.

Visit Pendle, it's simply bewitching!

Towns and Villages within Pendle

• Barnoldswick
• Barrowford
• Colne
• Wycoller
• Nelson
• Trawden
• Brierfield

More information . . .

• Pendle Accommodation
• Things to do in Pendle
• Pendle Food and Drink
• What's on in Pendle
• Pennine Lancashire