The walk was assembled by designating sections of pre-existing right-of-way as the Recreational Path. Since it is a circular walk, the path may be started at any point. However, conventionally, the route proceeds clockwise and starts Barley or at the Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford, culminating in the ascent of Pendle Hill. From Barrowford it follows riverside and moorland paths for 7 miles (11 km) to reach Barnoldswick. From Barnoldswick 5.5 miles (9 km) partly alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal the path proceeds via Thornton-in-Craven to Earby. From Earby the path proceeds 7 miles (11 km) via Kelbrook to Laneshawbridge. From Laneshawbridge the path proceeds 6.5 miles (10.5 km) via Wycoller and along an old packhorse route over the moors above Trawden to the Coldwell Inn. From there the path proceeds 4.5 miles (7.2 km) through farmland to Reedley and then 6 miles (9.5 km) via Higham to Newchurch. The next section of 5 miles (8 km) includes the ascent of Pendle Hill and descent to Barley followed by 3.5 miles (5.5 km) back to Barrowford.