A quick up and down on Pendle Hill

For the past few weekends I've admired Pendle Hill from afar, wondering if we would make it up there again. Our usual route from the nic of Pendle is at least 6 miles, albeit relatively gentle. I think that's pushing it for our dog these days so took a look at the map and decided to opt for the quick up and down from the road above Barley.

There was plenty of roadside parking and we followed the road past farms to the obvious diagonal track leading up to Big End. The path couldn't be better, stone paved all the way but steep! We gained height quickly, although not as quick as two chaps who said it took them 11 minutes from bottom to top! A short stroll with fantastic views led us to the summit. We descended the same way and the round trip for us was maybe 1.5 hours with plenty of stops. I imagine the walk is doable in an hour or so walking if you're quick. It's only a couple of miles, but steep!

It was wonderful to be back on the top of Pendle Hill after all this time but I think such a steep climb is now best left to the younger generation of dogs. For us, it's now time to start seeking out some flatter but inspiring walks. We will no doubt still manage the walk from the Nic on a leisurely day, but perhaps I need some nice gentle flatter walks on my list.

I'm thinking we must return to Dunsop Bridge and the road up the valley one day. Perhaps Stocks Reservoir is still an option on a fine leisurely day. I will probably also start to explore more of the Leeds Liverpool Canal. All ideas for more gentle but inspiring walks welcome.