Two anniversaries to celebrate as inspiring Visit Pendle guide is launched
Pendle, one of the most beautiful and unspoilt areas in the north of England, is inviting people to come and be inspired.
“Inspiration is the thread which runs through our new Visit Pendle guide,” said Pendle’s Tourism Officer Mike Williams.
“We’re a lesser known gem below the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales and neighbouring the Brontë moors.
“In Pendle you can walk, cycle and explore in perfect peace,” he explained.
“Seeing is believing, so our new guide is packed with photographs to give a tantalising glimpse of Pendle’s countryside and some of the experiences we have to offer,” Mike added.
The Visit Pendle guide is on www.visitpendle.com or contact Pendle Heritage Centre Tourist Information Centre on 01282 677150 for a copy.
This year Pendle celebrates the 30th anniversary of the 45 mile Pendle Way.
Walkers of all ages and abilities are being encouraged to discover this small yet immensely varied corner of Britain.
“From windswept moors to hidden valleys and unspoilt villages, there’s a different view around every corner,” said Pendle’s Countryside Access Officer Tom Partridge.
Visitors can download each of the Pendle’s Way’s eight sections from www.visitpendle.com
People who prefer to have a friendly local guide can take part in the UK’s biggest free walking festival from Saturday 12 August – Sunday 20 August.
There are over 60 walks to choose from including family friendly rambles, walks along the Pendle Way and walks which explore different aspects of the area’s unique history.
The new Visit Pendle guide also shows how Pendle’s fascinating history is inter-woven with its breathtaking countryside.
True stories include the dark and disturbing world famous trial of the Pendle Witches of 1612.
And we uncover the forgotten story of Jonas Moore who was born in Pendle 400 years ago in 1617 and whose brother was one of the first ‘victims’ of the Pendle Witches.
A radical 17th century mathematician, Sir Jonas Moore was known as ‘the father of time’ for his part in establishing the Royal Observatory at Greenwich and Greenwich Mean Time.
Later, in 1652, George Fox’s visionary climb up Pendle Hill led him to found the Quaker movement.
“It’s a place which exerts a powerful influence,” said Tom Partridge.
Tom organises the range of walks in the Pendle Walking Festival, some of which focus on the Pendle Witches, George Fox, Sir Jonas Moore and Charlotte Brontë.
The new Visit Pendle guide shows how, in the 19th century, Charlotte Brontë was inspired by her walks over the moors into Pendle, using places like atmospheric Wycoller and its ruined hall in her famous novel, Jane Eyre.
“Visitors to Pendle today can continue to be inspired,” said Mike Williams.
The new guide features artists who have studios and run friendly workshops in two of Pendle’s historic mills.
Visitors are welcome to take part, experimenting with photography, print making, drawing and painting, often using the Pendle landscape for inspiration.
“We don’t expect people to explore or be creative on an empty stomach,” said Mike.
“You’ll find our guide is packed with features on great places to eat and drink including micro-pubs, gastro-pubs and even a vintage ice-cream parlour,” he added.