Of witches and castles

Feeling energised from our hearty breakfasts and much more optimistic in the morning's sunshine, we take to some perilously narrow and winding country roads towards Pendle Hill. Billed as a 'must-see' destination in the Ribble Valley, Pendle Hill looms large - a monolith rising up from the surrounding patchwork quilt of fields. We pass through the pretty village of Barley and stop near the base of the hill.

Pendle Hill

There's history to explore here linked to some infamous 17th century witch trials, but for us, it's more a chance to walk to the top of the hill and take in some sweeping views of the valley. Always a good idea to take some 'before' pictures... that is, before the punishing climb up to the top of the 557m 'hill'. 

It turns out to be quite an effort. Our unconditioned bodies find the uphill slog very tough going. A few years ago, with our Coast-to-Coast fitness, it wouldn't even have rated a mention but it proves to be a steeper climb than we imagined and we have to stop frequently to catch our breath. Just to make us feel even worse about our lack of conditioning, we're swiftly overtaken by an 8-year-old who runs up the hill.

A steeper climb than we imagined

The views of the surrounding countryside make the effort worthwhile though. It's a glorious morning and the recent hot weather has not diminished the surrounding greenness.

The green carpet 

And at the summit... the Boy.

At the summit

There is a small crowd of weekend gym bunnies and walkers at the summit and we bump into a very enthusiastic local who insists on taking our photograph.

The 'after' shot - we're both a bit exhausted

Our new friend tells us there's another way down the hill - it's less steep (HA! That intel would perhaps have been helpful a little earlier on) but it also leads back to our car. He waves us off but only after introducing us to his son and nephew, and taking a few selfies with The Funny Australians Who Decided to Walk Pendle Hill in Little Ol' Lancashire on a Saturday Morning.

Our legs welcome the downhill path and really welcome having a seat in the car again. It is not far so we stop for coffee in the picturesque village of Downham. It is a very welcome spot to rest for a while and admire the stone cottages and views of the valley.

A beautiful spot for coffee

Stone cottages

The village church offers us some space for quiet contemplation, and its residents eternal rest in the shadow of Pendle Hill. 

Downham village church

The view to Pendle Hill

Our next stop is Clitheroe, the main town in the Ribble Valley and although it's a bustling Saturday and the market is on, we manage to find a parking spot right in the centre of town. Just in case our legs weren't hurting enough from the morning's hill walk, we inflict some more steps on our weary muscles by walking up to the ruins of Clitheroe Castle.

Clitheroe Castle

Clitheroe

The Bowland Food Hall is apparently one of the places in Clitheroe so we seek it out. It is a magical wonderland of local produce and gourmet food. If only we could bring food home with us...! Sadly we are limited to taking away only some fruit, fine honey and muesli for our impending visit to Wales. 

Although it is only mid-afternoon, it feels like we have already had two days in one so we go back to Padiham for some rest and to figure out a dinner destination. As the sun starts to dip, we take a short drive to Forest in Fence... a bit of a confusing name but Forest is the pub, in a place called Fence? It's a fine Saturday evening and the place is buzzing. More importantly the food is lovely... oh my gosh rice! I haven't eaten rice since leaving home so a hearty chicken meal with rice is the ultimate comfort food and a fitting end to a busy day.