This car trail takes you on a tour of Pendle, taking in some beautiful scenery and villages, as well as introducing you to some of the places mentioned in the various historical accounts of the Pendle witches.

You will start at the car-park opposite the Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford which you can visit now or at the end of your journey. The Centre is easy to find - follow the signs off Junction 13 of the M65 - and has a Tourist Information Centre which has plenty of information about the Pendle Witches. The centre is also the start and end point for the Pendle Way. Enjoy this route even more by getting hold of a copy of the Pendle Way guide from the Centre. By looking at where The Way passes close by or crosses this scenic car trail, you can plan your own mini countryside walks from this trail (please park sensibly and respect residents!).The main points along the route and eating and drinking establishments are highlighted.

Turn right from the Heritage Centre car park and over the bridge and turn left at the junction. Continue along the main road passing the impressive 17th Century inn The White Bear on the right. Take the next right turning up Church Street. On the left you will pass a wonderful 17th century building now the Lamb Working Men's Club. As you rise along the road take time to take in the views of Nelson on the left hand side.

Continue along this road following signs for Wheatley Lane passing a church and a school on the right and taking no turns off this road, heading in the direction of Padiham. The Sparrow Hawk Inn is on the right. Take care on this road as it approaches the village of Fence. The pub is also a way point on one of "Pendle's Six Circular Walks" (available at the Tourist Information Centre).

The history of the Pendle Witches really starts here as it was here at 'Hoarstones' (found just after Newchurch Rd) where a boy claimed he was held prisoner by witches on All Hallows Eve 1633. He named 17 of his captors who were gaoled after trials in 1634 and 4 were sent to London to be shown and ridiculed to large crowds.

Pass the 'Keith Melling' studio on the right continuing along and then turning right on Wheatley Lane Rd passing the Fence Gate Inn on the right, and the Bay Horse on the left both renowned for excellent food and drink.

Drive through the village and turn left where you will meet the main road (the A6068). Turn right onto the main road. As you turn right onto the main A6068 Rd look out on your left for Ashlar House. The Keith Melling Studio has exceptional originals and prints of the local scenery. The quaint village church of St Anne's is on your left at the end of the village.

It was at Ashlar House that Demdike, Chattox and Anne Redfearn were interrogated on 2nd April 1612 and sent for trial. Elizabeth, James and Jennet Device were also brought here on 27th April for questioning. Please respect this is a private residence.

Higham is signposted to the right, take this turning past St. Johns church.

Turn right just before the Four Alls Inn onto Sabden Rd, the road is narrow here so extra care should be taken (but the views make up for the road). It was the village of Higham which housed the "ghastly" Chattox and several of her "victims". The Four Alls Inn has an interesting sign and a stone horse trough.

Turn right to Newchurch. In Newchurch the "Eye of God" is to be found on the tower of St Mary's church to ward off evil. The church is said to house another of the Pendle Witches, the family grave of Alice Nutter. Chattox was alleged to have desecrated graves in this churchyard to collect skulls and teeth! Should you like a souvenir too please use Newchurche¹s own Witches Galore shop in the village! Parking is limited in Newchurch so please park sensibly if visiting its points of interest.

Turn left down Jinny Lane to Roughlee.

At the junction turn right then immediately left sign posted 'Blacko and Barrowford' (the road you want is nearly straight up and slightly to the right from the junction you are sat at). Continue along the road to the Bay Horse pub on the left, and park in the pub car park for the short walk to Roughlee Old Hall. With your back to the pub turn left, until you come to your next road on the left. Facing down this road, go down the passage which can be seen on your right, past the cottages and Roughlee Old Hall is on your left. Scenic views are spectacular and you will notice a tower in the distance - Blacko Tower - which you will visit on the final leg.

Roughlee Old Hall is often referred to as "Witches Hall" as this was said to have been the home of Alice Nutter one of the Pendle Witches who was hanged at Lancaster. Please respect that this is a private residence.

Return to your car, turn right out of the car park and go back along the road that you came in on. Turn right towards Barley (3/4 mile). Entering into Barley there is ample parking at Barley picnic site with toilets and an information point. Further down the road on the left is the Pendle Inn.

Further on the right is the Barley Mow restaurant where traditional food may be tasted and a little further on the Barley Tearooms for a well deserved cream tea. Passing out of Barley follow the road around the imposing yet wonderful Foot of Pendle and turn left at the signpost towards Downham.

Dominating the skyline is the wonderful Pendle Hill. George Fox founder of the Quakers climbed this hill in 1652 and wrote "I was moved of the lord to go up to the top of this hill - I saw the sea bordering upon Lancashire; and from the top of this hill the lord let me see in what places he had a great people to be gathered". This inspirational vision lead to him founding the Quakers.

The comedian Billy Connolly used to play music at the Pendle Inn before his comic fame and loves to return here to relive those times.

For those able to climb Pendle Hill, it takes approximately one hour steady climbing but is well worth the slog for the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, the lake district and on a clear day the Isle of Man (access to the footpath is along Ings Farm Road with plenty of parking opportunities along the road). 

Two further car trails are available from the Tourist Information Office: Brontes and Browsing, and Boats and Beams. Call the T.I.C. on 01282 661681 or email them at tourism@pendle.gov.uk for further details.