The walking group met yesterday in the village of Barley, Lancashire, set at the foot of Pendle Hill, an area renowned for the history of the “trials” of the Pendle Witches some 400 years ago. During an era of religious persecution and suspicion they were the convenient scapegoats of the day. One group stayed down in the valley and took a route around Black Moss Reservoirs and the Pendle Sculpture Trail, which has ten ceramic plaques representing each of the Pendle people who were hanged. The other group took to the hills, and took the steady climb through beautiful heathland, to the summit of the hill which is 1827 ft. (557 metres) above sea level.
Which witch is which?
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The next walk will take place on Thursday 6th April, leaving from Sankey Valley Heritage Visitor Centre, Blackbrook Road, St Helens, WA11 0AB. Please meet at the venue in time to start the walk at 10:30. As usual there will be 2 walks, 5 miles and 9 miles, both commencing at the same point. Both walks will follow a route around Carr Mill Dam, with the longer walk having difficult terrain in parts. Please wear appropriate footwear irrespective of which walk you undertake. Those taking the shorter walk can have lunch at the Ship Inn. A packed lunch is advised for those on the longer route but they will join the other walkers for a drink at the end of the walk. See notice on board for more information.
Thursday 2nd February. Please meet at Windmill Pub, Parbold for a 10:30 start.