Nicky Nook Circular


 

Leader:               Ann Holden

Number on Walk:  24 and no dogs!

Distance:               11.3 miles with 1245 feet of ascent and approximately 6 stiles!

Weather:               Sunny, blue sky, scorching, 29 degrees!

 

24 hardy souls gathered on Woodfold Lane armed with hats and plenty of sunscreen and fly repellent. Cars had parked at both ends of the lane – parking instructions non-specific (sorry!), but we got everyone gathered up ready to start at 10am.

We walked along the Lancashire Way through Claylands caravan site and over the River Wyre to arrive in Scorton and our first stop – for a comfort break! Then onwards and upwards along Tithebarn Lane, cutting through to Snowhill Lane via a delightfully shaded footpath. We ascended Nicky Nook at our individual paces and regrouped by the trig point for a drinks stop, before heading down the grassy slope to join the path through Grizedale. We emerged from Holme Wood at Grizedale Bridge into the scorching sunshine – another drinks stop here!

From there we had a short road section before taking the path alongside Grizedale Lea and Barnacre Reservoirs, constructed to provide the Fylde with drinking water. At the highest point of this path, we stopped on a grassy mound for lunch (well chosen by Wendy) – with a wonderful panorama of Morecambe Bay and a welcome breeze with some shade.

From here we made our way down to Barnacre All Saints Church via various footpaths. The church was built in 1905 at a cost of £2000 – a donation from the family of Thomas Henry Rushton. We stopped here for a wander around the cool interior and well-tended garden/graveyard.

From here we took a field path to Slack Farm, passing an unusual structure (see photo). Harry informed us that this was the entrance to an underground ‘room’ where 2 people would be dispatched to measure nuclear fall-out in the event of a nuclear disaster. Slack Farm had an impressive display of moles suspended on the barbed wire fence.

From here we followed Keeper’s Lane until reaching the path that took us past Long Crossey and Woodacre Great Wood to bring us out on Tithebarn Lane, from where we retraced our steps from the morning to arrive in Scorton. At this point the group split – some to sample the tea, cakes and ice-creams in The Barn, and others to walk back to the cars via Stepping Stones café in Claylands caravan site, where ice-cream and drinks were available.

A varied walk with lovely views in scorching sunshine – 29 degrees on the car temperature gauge when we returned.

 

Photos can be seen 'here'