Barley, Forest of Bowland AONB

You can afford a lie-in today, and you may well need it if you opted to stay up for one last scoop in the County Inn last night. Check out for 10am and head over the road for breakfast.

You can't go wrong with breakfast at The Lytham Kitchen. Choose from omelettes, pancakes, poached salmon and cream cheese served on thick brown granary bread, eggs Benedict, or even a full English. Vegans, vegetarians and people on gluten-free diets are well looked after too. Throw in some great coffee, equally great service, and you've got exactly what you need before the first long drive of the day.

Drive up the M65 and turn left at the junction for Hapton. Keep on the A-road and follow the signs for Barley, an impossibly picturesque village at the foot of Pendle Hill in the southern part of the Forest of Bowland AONB. There's free parking at The Cabin cafe, where your walking route begins.

There are several walking trails in the area, but the circular leading up to the summit of Pendle Hill is the most popular. The full details of the route can be accessed here, but it's fairly well signposted. Start at The Cabin, cross over the road, and follow Barley Green past the lower and upper Ogden reservoirs. Stop to admire the impressive handiwork of the stonemasons here, then continue up Ogden Valley Greenway to the top of the hill.

Catch your breath, take a few photos of that stunning panorama, then being your descent down the valley back towards Barley. Look out for the signs depicting the Pendle Witches – who were put on trial for witchcraft in 1612, in one of the most famous witch trials ever recorded in England. Ten of the eleven accused were found guilty and hanged.
The trail is moderate in terms of difficulty, but can be muddy in parts so hiking boots are recommended.

At the bottom of the hill is another cafe, The Croft Teagarden, where you can purchase drinks and snacks to replenish energy levels.
Note, The Croft Teagarden is open from 11am–4.30pm at weekends only.

Head back to The Cabin for a drink in the sunshine. Nearby Barley Park is an ideal spot for a picnic or a relaxing sit-down, and offers a play area for kids to expend any extra energy before the drive home.

When you're ready for something more substantial than a snack, walk up to Barley Mow – a family-friendly pub that in no way betrays the rustic character of the town. Expect hearty classics on the menu, from BBQ chicken flatbreads and wild mushroom risotto to beef burgers, rib eye steaks and homemade scampi. Behind the bar there's a good selection of local ales, plus a nice choice of more familiar pilsners and gins.
You shouldn't have any trouble getting a table but it's better to book ahead to be sure – and guarantee a table on the terrace.