Sabden

Tucked away in the deep valley between Pendle and Black Hill, Sabden is unusual in Bowland as an example of a former farming community which wholly embraced the industrial revolution. Although traces of the medieval vaccaries (cattle farms) remain, in the 19th century, as well as slate quarrying, Sabden was home to seven mills and one of the pre-eminent calico printing factories in the north – run by prominent Victorian free trader and social reformer Richard Cobden. Most of the mills have now been demolished, but Union Mill in Watt Street remains largely intact and is home to a popular village café: Sanwitches.

© Graham Cooper

© Graham Cooper

Highlights Walk from the village up Churn Clough for a brisk circuit of the reservoir before returning to the White Hart Inn for fine local ales and innovative contemporary cuisine.