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Things to see and do in PendleA fascinating car trail This enjoyable and easy car trail takes you on a tour of Pendle, visiting some beautiful scenery and historic villages, as well as opening up some of the places mentioned in the accounts of the Pendle witches. Start at the car-park opposite the fascinating Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford. The Centre is easy to find: all you have to do is follow the signs from Junction 13 of the East Lancashire M65. There's even a Tourist Information Centre with lots of information about the Pendle Witches. Pendle Heritage Centre is also the starting and finishing point for the Pendle Way. If you take a copy of the Pendle Way leaflet from the centre, you'll get a deeper insight into the tour you are about to take, and you can enjoy short walks based on this trail. The main important things to see, and places to eat or drink, are all highlighted on the leaflet. Start by turning right from the Heritage Centre and go over the bridge; then turn left at the junction. Go along the main road and watch out for the notable 17th Century inn The White Bear, which is on your right. Take the next right turning - it's called Church Street. There's a magnificent 17th century building on your left, now a Men's Club. As you drive along the road look out for the views of Nelson on your left. Drive along this road, and follow signs for Wheatley Lane; you'll pass a school and church on the right. Carry on along this road in the direction of Padiham, passing The Sparrow Hawk Inn on the right. This pub is also a stopping point on one of the fascinating Six Circular Walks in Pendle (available at the Tourist Information Centre). The story of the Pendle Witches still fascinates everyone: and it actually started here, for this was where a young boy claimed he was held prisoner by witches on Halloween in the year of 1633. He named sixteen women who were jailed in 1634; four were punished by being sent to London and ridiculed in front of large crowds. You'll pass Keith Melling's studio on your right as you drive along - it has very impressive original art works and prints of local scenery. Watch out for your next turn on the right down Wheatley Lane Road. You'll pass the Fence Gate Inn, which has an exceptional reputation for good food and ales. So, for that matter, does the does the Bay Horse! Drive on and out through the village and then turn left where you meet the main road (the A6068). Turn right onto the A6068 and as you do so take a look at Ashlar House. Like so many places round here, it was scene of some of the witches' drama: Demdike, Anne Redfearn and Chattox were interrogated here in early April 1612 before being sent for trial. Later in April, James, Elizabeth, and Jennet Device were brought here for questioning. (Ashlar is now a private residence.) The church of St Anne's is on the left at the end of the village. When you see the signed road to Higham to the right, take this turning past St. Johns church. Next, turn right just before you get to the Four Alls Inn onto Sabden Road. The views are spectacular. Higham was where the "witch" Chattox and several of her supposed victims lived. The Four Alls Inn is of interest because of its historic sign and horse trough. Turn right and drive along to Newchurch. Look for the "Eye of God" on the tower of St Mary's - this was placed there to help ward off evil. The culture of fear must have been all-pervasive; it's hard to imagine now, but life must have revolved around the hysteria about witches in those days. The church houses the family grave of another Pendle Witch - Alice Nutter. And the witch Chattox was supposed to have collected skulls and teeth from the graves here! Newchurch's Witches Galore shop might be of interest to you if you're at all interested in the Pendle witches. Turn left down Jinny Lane towards Roughlee. At the junction you turn right then immediately left sign - the signs are for Blacko and Barrowford, and the road you want heads almost straight up and slightly to the right. Continue to the Bay Horse pub, which is on the left; you can stop in the pub car park and take the short walk to Roughlee Old Hall. To get there, start walking with your back to the pub, then turn left, until you arrive at the next road on the left. Standing so you face this road, look for the passage on your right which runs past the cottages; down it, your destination, Roughlee Old Hall, is on your left. The views are spectacular; the tower in the distance is Blacko Tower, another significant part of witch history. Roughlee Old Hall is called "Witches Hall" and was supposedly the home of Alice Nutter - a witch who was hanged at Lancaster. Again Roughlee is someone's home so don't invade their privacy! When you get back to your car, drive right out of the car park and return the way you came. In three quarters of a mile, turn right towards Barley, where you will find a picnic site with toilets and information. Some way down the road the Pendle Inn is located on the left. Further down the road on the right is the Barley Mow restaurant - great for traditional Lancashire food; or you can try the Barley Tearooms for cream teas. When you drive out of Barley follow the road along the Foot of Pendle - watch out for the views - and turn left towards Downham at the signpost. Pendle Hill is magnificent - at this point it dominates the skyline. George Fox climbed this hill in 1652; he was so moved that he said God had let him see "in what places he had a great people to be gathered". This vision led to Fox founding the Quaker movement. If you wish to climb Pendle Hill, allow one hour. It's great for the superb views of the surrounding countryside, and you may well see the Lake District and the Isle of Man. You can get to the Pendle footpath from Ings Farm Road; there is plenty of parking. More car trails are available at Tourist Information Offices. Look out for the Brontes and Browsing leaflet and the Boats and Beams leaflet. Alternatively, call the information centre on 01282 661681; or if you prefer, email them at tourism@pendle.gov.uk for more information. D
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