Barley – 08/05/2026 – Leader Judy

A mixed weather forecast did not put off 7 intrepid walkers keen for a climb. In the event, apart from a few spits, it did not rain and the ground underfoot had also dried out considerably.

So we headed off beside the Ogden reservoirs before climbing Pendle Hill. Soon layers were shed and we had great clear views. Coffee was taken in the shelter at the top, not to avoid any wind, but for the welcome seating. We descended carefully via the steps to join Barley Lane, before crossing fields to a delightful and apparently well trodden downhill path above Twiston Beck only to return uphill to the stile I missed – it would not have been so bad if I had not done the same thing on the recce! Riverside paths took us to the site of the former Twiston Mill, and then we followed undulating field paths to Rimington where lunch was taken. 

There were lambs galore and some calves as we headed along tracks and fields to Clough Head where we admired a family memorial and some apple trees in full blossom. We continued on to ascend Twiston Moor before dropping down to return to Barley via the Black Moss Reservoirs. Ice creams were enjoyed before departing, and not just the girls!

Many thanks to Ian for taking the camera – my plan for this to slow him down didn’t work, but he got some nice photos. Thanks also to Graeme who helped with the recce and still came for more, assisting with the route finding.

Distance – 11.95 miles      Ascent 2010 feet     M/h – 2.2

Pics – Ian     Write up – Judy

‘If you wish to see a static view of the pics all in one go, then click here.’

Continuously running slideshow below – you can see it full screen by clicking in top left of picture