Home / Guide to Lancashire and Blackpool / Exploring Pennine Lancashire

Exploring Pennine Lancashire

Head off the beaten track and venture into the timeless landscapes of Lancashire's unspoilt countryside.

The West Pennine Moors, situated between Blackburn, Bury and Bolton, is an area of 90 square miles of uplands, valleys, farmland and reserviors and is home to many species of birds. Large parts of this varied and attractive landscape are of considerable ecological and conservation interest and superb views offer the outdoor enthusiast an unforgettable experience.

Pennine Lancashire offers a hard, but rewarding cycling experience, where one sudden plunge is followed by another steep climb. You will be surprised how quiet the moorland roads are above the busy valley towns. Enjoy cycling through a landscape of ancient weavers' villages, stone walls and scattered upland sheep farms with views of historic mill towns in the valleys below.

The area is also great for mountain biking, with marked trails, such as renowned Mary Towneley Loop of the Pennine Bridleway.

The West Pennine Moors are bisected by a number of wooded valleys and cloughs, the largest such area being in the Roddlesworth valley near Tockholes. There are some small coniferous plantations, particularly around the area's many reservoirs, but overall woodland cover is minimal.The predominant land use is sheep farming.

Pennine Lancashire's Panopticons are a unique series of twenty-first century landmarks, designed to attract visitors into the countryside to enjoy stunning landscapes and wealth of attractions that this delightful area has to offer. Each Panopticon is situated on a high-point site commanding spectacular views.

The Panopticons spread across Pennine Lancashire, from 'Colourfields' in Blackburn, 'Singing Ringing Tree' in Burnley, 'Atom' in Pendle to 'Halo' in Rossendale.

Towns within Pennine Lancashire

Blackburn with Darwen

Blackburn is one of the most vibrant towns of England's Northwest. A suprisingly versitile visitor destination where a rich history and heritage combines with the most modern of 21st century landscapes.

Visitors will experience an evolving urban landscape where the worlds of art, entertainment, architecture and fine food and drinkcombine to great effect. The markets, shopping centre and nightlife are lengendary across Lancashire and beyond.

Yet, almost 70% of the town is nestled within beautiful countryside; and the lakes, waterfalls and rolling greens of Corporation Park provide a fabulous backdrop for Colourfields - the first Panopticon to be built.

Click here for more information about Blackburn with Darwen

Burnley

Nestling in a valley where the River Calder and the River Brun meet, Burnley is a fascinating place to visit. The story of the Industrial Revolution can be seen in the historic townscapes, steam powered weaving sheds and arterial waterways; two historic houses with civil war connections, stunning interiors and beautiful parkland contrast with brewery tours, forging demonstrations and a rescue centre for horses, ponies and donkeys.

However, Burnley's industrial past belies its rural setting where the stunning countryside of hills and heather covered moorland invite walkers, cyclists and riders to enjoy spectacular views such as the Cliviger Gorge or the limestone hushings at Shedden Clough. This living mosaic of woodlands, farms and waterways is home to abundant wildlife from peregrine falcons to red grouse, roe deer to Speckled Wood butterflies.

Crown Point above Burnley provides a great setting for the Singing Ringing Tree - one of Pennine Lancashires unique Panopticans.

So relax, unwind and enjoy the great attractions and beautiful countryside of Burnley; enjoy a peaceful drink or meal in one of the many pubs or restaurants and discover more about this hidden part of Lancashire.

Click here for more information about Burnley

Pendle

If you're a walker you'll be familiar with the hills around Pendle. The Pendle Way is a 45 mile circular walk around Pendle which takes you to the summit of Pendle Hill, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the area. Signs featuring a witch on a broomstick will guide you on your way. Shorter circular walks lead from the Pendle Way itself.

But even if you're not a walker there is still plenty to do and enjoy in Pendle. Pendle possesses two specialist museums which are well worth a visit including the British in India Museum at Nelson and The Museum of Yorkshire Dales Lead Mining, in the old Grammar School at Earby.

And, of course, a trip to Pendle wouldn't be the same without finding out more about the famous Pendle witches Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford features a permanent exhibition which tells the story of the Pendle witches and is home to Pendle Arts Gallery and the Tourist Information Centre. There is also an 18th Century walled garden, shop and tea room.

The Atom - another Panopticon - nestles on the hillside above Wycoller village, where you can admire the breathtaking views of the Pendle landscape.

Click here for more information about Pendle

Rossendale

The Beautiful Rossendale Valley is made up of four main areas: Bacup; Haslingden Rawtenstall and Whitworth.

Its industrial past, which is steeped in history, provides the backdrop for Bacup, recognised by English Heritage as the best preserved mill town in the country. Helmshore Textile Museum in Haslingden has undergone an extensive refurbishment, to enhance the visitor experience and will lead you on a journey to discover how raw wool and cotton was transformed into yarn.

Rossendale also enjoys excellent outdoor facilities including the Mary Towneley Loop, a section of the Bridleway National Trail and the Rossendale Way 46- mile route that offers varied walking conditions. The annual event that takes place on the 1st Saturday in July offers three graded walks to suit all levels and abilities while the Rossendale leg of the Irwell Sculpture Trail includes a six mile walk, consisting of environmental are installations that have been appearing along the trail since 1987.

Take the ride on a traditonal steam train on the East Lancashire Railway, or shop till you drop at Winfield's where you will find everything you need for the great outdoors.

Rossendale contains the fourth and final Panopticon - Halo.

Click here for more information about Rossendale

Hyndburn

Hyndburn is central to the Pennine Lancashire area. At the Haworth Gallery in Accrington you'll find the largest collection of Tiffany glass in Europe. The collection was a gift from Joseph Briggs who was born and brought up in Accrington and it is now one of the most prized collections in the world.

Accrington is probably best known for its football team, Accrington Stanley and for it the famous 1st World War "Accrington Pals" Regiment. Much of the town is now a Conservation Area, with attractive Victorian stone buildings, a wonderful market in Lancashire's oldest market hall, and traditional specialist shops in the Abbey Grange shopping area.

Click here for more information about Hyndburn

Ribble Valley

Ribble Valley covers over 244 square miles of spectacular countryside in North East Lancashire, the majority of which is designated the Forest of Bowland area of outstanding natural beauty.

Crossing through Clitheroe is the Ribble Way, which takes in Brungerley Park Sculpture Trail and Crosshill Quarry Nature Reserve. Panoramic views of the famous Pendle Hill can be seen from the walls of Clitheroe's 12th century Castle Keep, the newly designed Community Rose Garden and the only Labyrinth in Lancashire can be found in its beautiful grounds.

Opposite the market in the converted 1870s railway station building is the Platform Gallery, the showcase for contemporary craft exhibitions of local and national artists' work.

Click here for more information about Ribble Valley