With its cheeky name this delightful fell overlooking the M6 at Scorton has been a popular viewpoint for generations of Sunday strollers from Preston, Lancaster and Blackpool. Though not particularly high at 215m above sea level, its location, between the Bowland Fells and the wide expanse of the Fylde, makes it a superb platform reached with comparatively little effort. Add to this lovely Grizedale and you have all the ingredients of a most satisfying walk.
To reach Scorton from Junction 33 M6, turn left on A6. In just under 3 miles turn left into Station Road following signs for Scorton. The village will be reached in less than a mile. If approaching from the south (junction 33) turn right from the A6 1 Km after the traffic lights at Garstang turn onto Gubberford Lane which leads into the village.
To reach Harrisend Fell Road from junction 33 M6, turn left south on A6 towards Garstang. Take second road on left. 1 Km (1000yds) along lane turn left under railway bridge and follow road around. At next junction go straight ahead. Turn next left. Cross M6 motorway. In just over 1 Km turn right in front of the Fleece. Keep on this road for 3 Km (2 miles) climbing onto the open fell road across a cattle grid. Continue along the road for a mile to reach Grizedale Bridge with a small car parking area on the right with an information board.
Summary:
Distance: 6 Km or 4 mile
Ascent: 260m
Time: 1½ - 2 hours
Terrain: Route begins with a steep climb to the summit, followed by a sharp descent into Grizedale. A broad well made track takes you back to the edge of the village.
1. Scorton to Nicky Nook Summit. (2 Km or 1½ miles: 30-40 minutes)
Setting out from Scorton the walker has a choice between climbing the fell first and descending into Grizedale or aiming for Grizedale and then climbing the fell. Here we describe the first option in that it has the merits of simplicity that may appeal to the first time visitor. From the centre of the village walk up Snow Hill Lane which rises steeply past the war memorial and catholic church to cross the motorway. Follow the lane as it enters woodland to bend left then right to reach a junction with Higher Lane. Bear left across the junction to a stile and footpath sign pointing up the fellside.
The path leads up through gorse to a wide broad fellside with a tree lined tarn to the left.
From here a broad grassy track will take you to the summit.
Now you can enjoy the view. The Fylde is at your feet and westwards you will have no difficulty in identifying Blackpool Tower. To the north west the wide expanse of Morecambe Bay will impress you.
2. Nicky Nook to Scorton (3.7 Km or 2½ miles: 1 hour)
Two tracks lead away from the summit. The one to the left leading north eastwards will place you on a track after 10-12 minutes of descent. On reaching it turn right into woodland and follow the bridleway as it edges along Grizedale Reservoir.
This leg will add 20-25 minutes to the time. However, a more direct descent to the reservoir is achieved by taking the footpath that appears to the right. This soon drops steeply through bracken to meet the bridleway. At this junction turn right. Grizedale is a lovely valley anytime of the year. In spring it is bedecked with bluebells. However a visit in autumn can be even more rewarding.
Walk along the broad well made track for the best part of a mile (1.6 Km). On reaching the next junction of tracks by a footbridge
turn right. The footpath leads up to Higher Lane.
Keep ahead and after passing Slean End on the left, cross a stile on the left to diagonally cross the pasture
to reach another stile. After this aim to the left of a brick outbuilding
and onto Tithe Barn Lane. Turn left and follow the lane into the village. Turn right at the bowling club.
From Grizedale Bridge. (Adding 3 Km or 2 miles: 45mins) to route described.
A clear gravel path leads from the car park
and soon enters woodland leading around an arm of the reservoir. Numerous boardwalks help to negotiate the muddy sections. After 20 – 25 mins you will arrive at a junction with the bridleway.
The Priory
Scorton is a lovely village. Many people will have seen it's lovely church from the M6 motorway without knowing of the village. The Priory is a pub, restaurant, tea room and shop. The tea room/restaurant is particularly popular with cyclists, especially on a weekend when as many as 300 a day may pass through.
Some portions of 'The Priory' date back to the early 1600's, and the restaurant area was used as a Catholic Mass Centre from about 1650, the residence being the priest's house.
The Priory has a bar called The Stout Bar. It should come as no surprise that we dined there. There was a good bar menu, we chose to have toasted sandwiches (ham/cheese) and roast beef sandwiches. These were served with a generous side salad and were very nice.
The bar has a mixture of wooden floor boards,stone paving and wood panels. It is furnished with wooden tables and chairs as well as leather settees, all set off with a piano in the corner.
They usually serve Thwaites Lancaster Bomber(4.4%) and the locally brewed (Bowland Brewery)and aptly named Nicky Nook bitter (4.2%). We opted for the Nicky Nook bitter and as with all Bowland Brewery beers it was excellent and was served in particularly good condition.