Nicky Nook Circular Walk
3.9 miles (6.2 km)
Walk Report by Nick Durgom
Nicky Nook is a particularly special walk for me because my family used to visit this area back in the 1950s. Looking through some old family photographs brought back memories of the place and was one of the reasons I wanted to walk the route myself. It is a relatively small fell at 215 metres, but I was reminded just how much it has to offer for such a short climb, with open views, interesting features and several ways to extend the walk into the surrounding countryside.
I found getting to the start from the M6 less straightforward than you might expect, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the area. Heading towards the A6 is the easiest approach to Scorton, although I prefer to avoid taking the car right into the village and start from near the Applestore Cafe in Wyresdale Park. It's a fine place for refreshments before or after the walk, set within a lovely walled garden and glasshouse. From there, the route begins along the quiet country road before reaching the fell and the open hillside. The climb is fairly short and, if you are walking steadily, the summit can be reached in around 20 minutes.
What makes Nicky Nook particularly rewarding is how quickly the views open up as you climb. From the summit and the trig point there are wide views across Lancashire, with Blackpool Tower visible on the Fylde Coast and Morecambe Bay stretching away in the other direction. Looking north, there are also views towards the higher hills of the Forest of Bowland and, on a clear day, the Lake District hills can be seen in the distance. It is a surprisingly expansive view from such a modest summit.
Rather than simply returning the way I came, I like continuing over the fell and dropping down towards Grizedale Valley. This turns the short climb into a much more satisfying circular walk, with the character of the landscape changing from open fell to woodland and the quieter paths around the reservoir. The stone aqueduct pillars on the plateau are another interesting feature to look out for, marking the route of the historic Thirlmere Aqueduct beneath the fell.
The walk is short enough to suit a wide range of walkers, but the descent into the valley makes the circular route more varied than the simple ascent to the summit suggests. I think that is what makes Nicky Nook such an enjoyable little walk: you get a proper hill, excellent views and a mixture of open countryside, woodland and water without having to commit to a long day on the fells.
After the walk, I would recommend heading into Scorton. The Barn at Scorton is a favourite stop of mine and a particularly welcome place to relax after the walk, with good food and a friendly atmosphere. There is also a garden centre to look around, making it an easy place to round off the visit. For me, though, the best part of Nicky Nook remains the combination of the scenery and the personal connection I have with the area — knowing that my family were enjoying this same landscape more than 70 years ago makes the walk feel rather more than just another short fell walk.
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