Featuring fells, woodlands and water – elements which combine to make this Lancashire walk so attractive. Welcome to Nicky Nook!
Nicky Nook Fell
Location; Scorton, Lancashire
Distance; 3 Miles
Difficulty; Easy
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Nicky Nook 3 Mile Walk
by Lancashire Lads
Welcome to Lancashire Lads and our first walk ever published!
Whilst our circular fell walk is only 3 miles, there is a short, steady climb at the start to the top of the fell, with a fantastic panoramic view looking out towards the coast, parts of the Lakes, within touching distance of the Forest of Bowland.
Many will notice this standout fell when passing through the quaint village of Scorton, just outside Garstang, Lancashire. Nicky Nook has history too, with a unique stone memorial in clear view on the edge of the hillside dedicated to the Queen’s jubilee.
We start our walk just outside the village of Scorton. We suggest parking just off Snow Hill Lane, close to one of our recommended coffee stops, the rather popular Apple Store Cafe, Scorton.
The trick here is to NOT park at the cafe, as there is a tough 18% road to ascend before even starting the footpath climb to the top of Nicky Nook Fell. Hardly the best way to start an ‘easy’ walk, therefore we suggest parking on Snow Hill Lane turning right before Apple Store, as this will save your legs a little!
*2023 update. Applestore cafe have since built a secondary car park, just off snow hill lane, providing additional free parking off the road, with direct access across to their cafe as well. Thanks Applestore!
Once you’re parked up, head to the top of the road, you should notice a swing gate signposted ‘Nicky Nook.’ This is the official start of our walk. Begin your climb and take your time!
It’s important to note, you should be ok to let your dog off the lead after closing the gate behind you. However, on a rare occasion the farmer has been known to graze some of his sheep on Nicky Nook fell, so do play it by ear. If you see / hear sheep up ahead, to be safe do put your dog back on a lead.
The path climb is longer than it looks, half a mile uphill infact. There’s a lovely little tarn part way up with a suitably positioned bench. This is ideal for anyone looking to catch their breath or sit and have a quick sandwich with a decent view out to the coast.
Of course, if you’re just starting off your walk, you likely won’t be doing either of the above! Let’s continue the climb. Pass through the next swing gate. When you reach a crossroads with sightly worn paths off to the left and right right, take the rough, rocky path straight ahead. See below.
Don’t forget to admire the next beautiful tarn just off to the left 🙂 So jealous of the ducks who spend their days here. Great spot for a picnic if you’ve got the time!
From here you should have the trig point in sight further ahead. The summit itself is 215m, boasting fabulous views of the Fylde coast, Blackpool Tower, Morecambe Bay and as far as the Lake District fells on a clear sunny day.
Even on a clear sunny day, do expect some windy conditions up top!
After reaching the trig point, continue straight, keeping to the right path until you reach steps weaving down the hillside. You should now see Grizdale Reservoir, tucked away in a hidden valley, the perfect spot for escaping windy conditions from above!
Once you hit the bottom, turn immediately right passing the same reservoir, now on your left. We will be sticking to this path for more than a mile alongside Grizedale brook, through picturesque woodland. Lots of nature to look out for here, you may catch sightings of deer if you’re lucky!
After a mile or so of rambling, you will eventually reach a farm gate with a bridge to the left, a path straight ahead or a stile / path going off to the right cutting through a small valley. Take this path to the right and head up towards the corner of the road, known as Slean End. Keep right on the road, leading you back to your car.
This is the end of the trail path, with 0.7 miles of tarmac road before returning to the start of our walk. The road itself has lots to offer, with views down to the left and lots of nature to enjo. The perfect way to finish off our Nicky Nook walk.
The walk should not take longer than 1.5 hours to 2 hours, with a few photography breaks etc. Straight after the walk we highly recommend visiting Apple Store Cafe, the nearest coffee shop with lots of coffee & cake options on offer! The cafe also allows dogs inside 🙂
Alternatively, if this isn’t your first time doing the walk or you’ve already been to Apple Store and wish to visit alternatives, we recommend The Barn at Scorton and Daisy Clough. Both with lots to offer, both with gift shops and a garden centres.
The Barn has some of the best cakes in Lancashire we have ever seen, but be warned, they only allow dogs in their outdoor areas. Great for sunny days but not so good around winter time!
Daisy Clough has a great food menu, a lovely Garden centre nursery and they accept dogs inside their cafe.
That concludes our first walk published here on LancashireLads.life
Did you manage to complete the Nicky Nook circular??
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