Mountain peaks around Read are situated in Lancashire, offering access to the Pennine Chain of hills and the Forest of Bowland AONB. The region is known for its distinctive landmarks, including Pendle Hill, which is intertwined with local myth and the famous Witch Trials. Visitors can explore a landscape of rolling pastures, drystone walls, and small hamlets, providing diverse hiking opportunities with scenic views across Lancashire.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Don't forget that it's always windy on top.
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I grew up running around here, the front side with the steps is great for training.
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You can’t touch this Trig as it’s in an restricted area but you can still get close to it and tick it off your list.
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Pendle Hill looms over East Lancashire between the towns of Clitheroe and Nelson. With its distinctive humpback shape, visible for miles around from all directions, it is a local landmark, rising from an area of green beauty. The district is dotted with tiny hamlets and farms, divided by ancient drystone walls and full of folklore and stories – not least the famous tale of the Pendle Witches. Geographically, Pendle Hill is part of the Pennine Chain of hills that run north-south through the northern half of England. It is included in the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, though Pendle is a discrete hill, separated from the main upland area of Bowland by the Ribble Valley.
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Pendle Hill, LancashirePendle Hill looms over East Lancashire between the towns of Clitheroe and Nelson. With its distinctive humpback shape, visible for miles around from all directions, it is a local landmark, rising from an area of green beauty. The district is dotted with tiny hamlets and farms, divided by ancient drystone walls and full of folklore and stories – not least the famous tale of the Pendle Witches. Geographically, Pendle Hill is part of the Pennine Chain of hills that run north-south through the northern half of England. It is included in the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, though Pendle is a discrete hill, separated from the main upland area of Bowland by the Ribble Valley.
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An outlier from the hills of the main Forest of Bowland area makes Pendle Hill a superb stand along peak. At 532m it's high enough to feel big and offer excellent views north into the hills and in other directions over the more populated areas of Lancashire. Pendle is intertwined with myth and legend from jumping giants to the famous witch trials in the early 17th century. Much loved locally it's a great run from any direction with most routes providing a tough but manageable climb and a brilliant descent.
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The most popular peak is Pendle Hill summit trig point, known for its excellent views into the Forest of Bowland and its connection to local myths. Other notable spots include Pendle Hill Path, which leads to the summit, and View of Pendle Hill, offering fantastic vistas across the valley.
Yes, the Pendle Hill Path provides access to the summit. Walkers can choose between a shorter, steeper ascent via stone steps from Barley or a longer, less steep switchback path to reach the top.
From Pendle Hill summit trig point, you can enjoy excellent views north into the Forest of Bowland and over the more populated areas of Lancashire. View of Pendle Hill offers fantastic vistas of the iconic hill itself across the valley, over rolling pastures and the village of Grindleton. Stang Top Moor Trig Point also provides amazing views of Pendle Hill and the surrounding area.
The terrain around Read features rolling pastures, drystone walls, and small hamlets. For Pendle Hill, the ascent can be steep, particularly the stone stairs from Barley. The area is part of the Pennine Chain of hills, offering diverse hiking opportunities.
While specific 'family-friendly' categories aren't listed for all highlights, the area offers a variety of mountain peaks and paths, from challenging climbs to more accessible routes. The Pendle Hill Path offers a less steep switchback option, which might be more suitable for families compared to the direct stone steps.
Beyond hiking, the area around Read offers various cycling opportunities. You can find road cycling routes like the 'Chipping Village – Whalley Village Centre loop' or 'Back Lane Climb Out of Sabden – Nick of Pendle loop' in the Road Cycling Routes around Read guide. For touring bicycles, explore routes such as 'Whalley Village Centre – Clitheroe Castle loop' in the Cycling around Read guide. Mountain biking enthusiasts can check out trails like 'Whalley to Dean Clough Reservoir loop' in the MTB Trails around Read guide.
Pendle Hill is deeply intertwined with local myth and legend, most notably the famous Witch Trials of the early 17th century. The area is also characterized by its traditional landscape of drystone walls and small hamlets, reflecting its rich history.
Visitors appreciate the superb standalone nature of Pendle Hill, its challenging climb, and the extensive views it offers. The diverse hiking opportunities, scenic vistas, and the area's rich folklore are also highly valued by the komoot community, who have shared over 180 photos and given more than 290 upvotes.
Yes, in addition to the summit views, View of Pendle Hill provides a fantastic perspective of the iconic hill from across the valley. Stang Top Moor Trig Point and Hambledon Hill Trig Point also offer excellent vantage points of Pendle Hill and the surrounding Lancashire landscape.
While many outdoor areas are dog-friendly, it's important to be mindful of livestock. For example, near the View of Pendle Hill along the Ribble Way, it is advised to keep dogs on leads as livestock may be present in some fields. Always follow local signage and guidelines.
The guide does not specify a 'best time' to visit, but the area offers diverse hiking opportunities throughout the year. Be prepared for varied weather conditions, especially on higher ground like Pendle Hill, which can be exposed. Winter hiking is possible but requires appropriate gear and caution.
The village of Grindleton, visible from the View of Pendle Hill, has a heritage trail and local establishments like the Buck Inn or the Duke of York pub. These can be good options for refreshments after a hike.


See even more amazing summits around Read with these guides: