LOCATED near Skipton, Lothersdale is mainly visited by those taking the short cut from Colne to Keighley or walking the Pennine Way…and of course by those who live there.

However there is some lovely walking from this pretty village, a real contrast of valley, sheep country and moorland, complemented with lovely views from Pinhaw Beacon. The walk isn’t long but has steep slopes to start with.

Lotherdale is a linear village sat in a deep valley characteristic of this area of the South Pennines. Whether you enter from the east or the west head for the excellent Hare and Hounds inn. Park near the pub and head west for 100 metres until a signpost directs you left, uphill and to the Pennine Way. Leading to the summit of Pinhaw Beacon, it’s well signposted and generally easy to follow. For those interested this walk follows the 62 to 64th mile of the Pennine Way (it’s 266 miles in total.

The path climbs steeply out of Lothersdale. After passing through a gate turn left, keeping closer to the fence/wall. After crossing a small stream there’s a stile leading left, cross the field and emerge at a lane. Take in views back down Lothersdale; good but better on the descent. Cross the lane and up the farm track till it takes a sharp left, cross a stile and head uphill. Over another stile and the scenery takes a turn for the better. This is open moorland, beautiful at the right time of the year (purple in late summer) but a pleasure at any time. The path is good, after heading west for half a mile leads to the smart trig of Pinhaw Beacon (a Hump in official mountain terminology!). The views are excellent. To the north are the Yorkshire Dales, on a good day all Three Peaks are clearly outlined, turning to the west the Forest of Bowland stands out with the sea beyond.

Before reaching the trig take a few minutes to locate a small gravestone and inscription where Robert Wilson, a local man, died in 1805. Robert and his two companions had been sent up to the Beacon to watch for a warning from near Colne (as part of the national system of beacons to prepare the country of a possible invasion by Napoleon. They stayed in a wooden hut and Robert set out to get supplies from a local farm but never returned. His body was found within 200 metres of the hut. There lies a small stone to signify where he met his end.

From the summit follow the Pennine Way for 250 metres before taking the south path from the corner of a wall. No more Pennine Way which heads north. Follow the wall for a short while, bear left and head for a stile out of the moors and back on to farmland. Drop steeply towards Calf Head Farm and follow the lane east then downhill, bringing you near Knott Barn. A footpath skirts a cluster of buildings next to a stream, opening onto a series of fields. Pick your way downhill through the fields before a slight detour east brings you to a bridge and the Hare and Hounds pub.

On the final few hundred metres of the descent Lothersdale is displayed in all its glory. A wonderful end to a pleasant walk in this lost valley which deserves more visitors.

Fact File:

Distance: Roughly 3.5 miles. Height to Climb: 190m (630 feet)

Start: SD 960461. There is roadside parking near the pub. Difficulty: Medium. The walk is short but the first mile is definitely steep! The Pennine Way is straightforward but care is needed when the route leaves the Way.

Refreshments: The Hare and Hounds in Lothersdale is very good.