Nicky Nook Fell is Bowlands most westerly vantage point and though of modest height provides marvellous views especially on a fine day. A damp Sunday morning saw fourteen members of Hyndburn Group set off from the well hidden Scorton Picnic Site hoping to avoid any further rain. After a short walk along the road and along a track we turned down to a footpath by the side of Wyresdale Lake which would take us to the foot of the fell. We started up the very muddy and slippery slope and soon gained height before reaching the trig point at 215m.

We came off the fell via a pretty gully, albeit steep in places, with amazing views of the Grizedale Reservoir. Upon joining the track at the bottom we turned left and next to a gate we took advantage of a low wall for a quick break. Five of the more ‘senior’ gentlemen in the group made a beeline for a bench they’d spotted which prompted a cry of ‘The Charge of the Last of the Summer Wine Brigade’. The walk then continued through Holme Wood alongside Grizedale Brook with the trees filtering out some of the now bright sunshine.

It wasn’t long however before we arrived at Grizedale Bridge and as the sun shone brightly we had our lunch and enjoyed the scenery. A little drama was supplied as one member declared the fact she’d left her lunch at our previous stop whilst frantically searching through her rucksack. With everyone offering her some rations she was most thankful although laughter was to be had as, upon packing up for the off, someone spotted her butties on the wall above her head! She’d removed them to get her seating out and then forgotten about them.

There was a short walk up the road before turning off to pass Grizedale Lea and Barnacre Reservoirs and past Moor House. We passed an old bulldozer on the green lane before heading down towards Burns Farm. Here we enjoyed a good view of Morecambe Bay and some of us could make out Blackpool Tower on the horizon whilst on the other side Nicky Nook was standing proud. The walk had been a little muddy in places but that was nothing compared to having to cross the marshy field known as Woodacre Pasture. After dropping down through the forest we stopped for a quick break near Peddar Wood whilst some took advantage of the brook to clean their boots.

Continuing up Slean End and over more muddy fields to Tithe Barn Lane we met up with the Wyre Way to Scorton. Upon arrival it was nice enough to sit outside The Priory with our pints (??!) and cups of tea or coffee. Although we could’ve stayed for another it was getting a little chilly so we resumed onto The Wyre Way again to make our way back to the picnic site and the cars. It was our second new leader walk in as many weeks and all agreed it was a very good walk and had been well led.