Pendle Witch Trail, Lancaster to Pendle

On the Trail of the Pendle Witches...

This is a self guided car, minibus or bike trail of 45 miles. You can start either in Lancaster or Pendle and will follow the directions on the leaflet to the other end of the trail. Please note, this is not suitable for coaches.

Pendle Hill rises above the ancient hunting ground called the Forest of Bowland. Once home of wolves and wild boar, it is still an untamed place, full of mystery. Beneath Pendle Hill are the tiny hamlets and farms which played a part in the true story of the Pendle Witches. It is a story which still haunts the traveller today. How did ten villagers come to be found guilty of witchcraft? And why does mystery still surround them even though their trial is one of the best documented in the world?

If you follow the trail, you will find out about that fateful year of 1612. You will explore the old villages under Pendle Hill where events took place. You'll follow the lonely road the Pendle Witches took through the Ribble Valley to Lancaster Castle where they stood trial. Along the way there are places to visit which help piece together a mystery which is over 400 years old.

The Lancashire Witches Driving Trail - Starting the witches trail from Barrowford From Pendle Heritage Centre In Barrowford, take the A682 towards Blacko and turn left at the sign for Roughlee. Continue to Newchurch then turn right up the hill towards Barley Village. Go through Barley and follow the road as it takes a sharp left to Downham. Continue to Downham. past The Assheton Arms and follow the road to the left. Turn left to Clltheroe followlng the A671 and follow the signs to Clitheroe Castle & Museum if stopping off. Continue through Clitheroe following signs for the B6478 to Waddington then follow signs lo Newton, past the Parker Arms, (B6478). In Newton turn left to Dunsop Bridge. Go through Dunsop Bridge turning right to the Trough of Bowland and Lancaster. Follow road signs to Lancaster through the Trough of Bowland and past Jubilee Tower. Continue to follow city centre signs through Golgotha, then follow signs to the Castle and other attractions.