ISBN: 1-85284-446-9

Publisher: Cicerone

It was in the year 1612 when nine of the ten Pendle Witches were hanged. Legend has it that these witches lived in the villages and farmsteads surrounding Pendle Hill. They were responsible for the murder by witchcraft of seventeen people. These wenches were accused of selling their souls to devils or other beings that would take shape before them  as animals or humans. There is so much more to this tale that if you aren’t too familiar is featured in this book.

I’ve visited “Lancashire Witch Country” on numerous occasions and have walked up Pendle Hill quite a number of times. It is very true that the history of these witches has left its mark in this area of Pendle. It is easy to see, if you visit the little town that is nearby. Almost every person has a tale to narrate of this legend and there are shops selling spooky souvenirs nearly all year round.  

Witches Galore is the shop to check out for these sorts of memorabilia as well as maps, posters, T-shirts and a vast array of books on the fact and fiction of witchcraft. It can be quite an eye-catching place if you are passing by and happen to glance at the display of witches and other ghouls that “stand” outside.

But I think the main attraction of this area has to be Pendle Hill where the witches were said to conduct some of their witchcraft. As with everywhere where sheep and cattle are grazing, dogs must be kept on lead. Don’t let this put you off though - Pendle Hill is the hill to walk if you really want to get a “feeling” of the place. 

Having walked up the hill, I have felt a strange sensation on many occasions. It may have been that it was just a day where the top of this peak was cloaked in a ghostly mist which made it was virtually impossible to see more than ten feet ahead of you, but nevertheless, I felt a presence. I don’t think this is one hill I would want to walk up by myself, especially if it was particularly bad weather and thundering. Despite this, it never ceases to impress visitors and attracts many, many people every year.

While it may not to a mountain (lacking the 169 feet to accomplish this) it is still attractive and a bit of a pull to reach the summit.  

Jack Keighley has written this book with over 30 circular walks on and around Pendle Hill. I shall have to try one of these sometimes, as I am not too familiar with the land around this mount. Over Spence Moor sounds a good one to start with - what Jack calls a half-day family ramble. Just about accomplishable for most but again warns us if we have dogs, to keep “Bonzo” on a lead.

This is a walk where stiles are quite a regular feature - very difficult to try and coax a dog over. The best and most effective way is to just carry Bonzo to the other side. It can be quite difficult for dogs to scramble across and cause them injury so this is the most effective way. 

A cattle grid is also included in this ramble. An absolute nightmare for humans to cross without twisting an ankle and an impossible task for our four legged friends. However, there is always another way around a problem like this so don’t fear all you need is this guide.

After a long walk you’re going to be pretty parched so a quick stop for refreshment at White Hart Inn is always a nice way of ending a day.

Many more walks are included that are similar but all a little special. You just need this guide!  

I think what makes this book take off is the lay-out which is beautifully illustrated on each and every page. The black and white theme is continued throughout with wonderful drawings by Jack. It is easy to follow with a walk index and road map of the area complete with information centres and a symbols page.

The country code follows informing walkers to keep noise at a low volume. Useful to take notice of this rule if you have children who are quite prone to making a lot of noise and can be out of control near busy road sides. Always keep an eye on them and make sure they do not cause damage to the countryside or drop litter. 

Dogs of course are not exempt from this country code and should be kept under close control but are genuinely better behaved!

I loved everything about this guide, beautifully set out with splendid illustrations. Put this beside other guides of Lancashire and Yorkshire and make full use. I know I will!