Nicky Nook

Nicky Nook

Nicky Nook rises to 214.9 m above the countryside east of Scorton, on the western edge of the Forest of Bowland. Its summit is marked by a trig point; the highest ground is 5 m south of it. Views extend across the Lancashire coastal plain and Morecambe Bay, towards the Lake District and inland to the Bowland fells when visibility allows.

Choosing a walk

The Forest of Bowland’s published farmland circuit is a full 6.83 km return to Scorton via Wyresdale Lake, Clifton’s Farm, Sykes Farm and the summit area. Its summit waypoint does not separately identify the precise high ground 5 m south of the trig, so the distance remains the publisher’s circuit figure. Use the footbridge beside the ford and, at the later bridge junction, take the right-hand kissing gate without crossing the bridge. The western descent returns to Scorton over the M6. The document was published and last modified on 12 February 2019; follow current farm waymarks and access notices.

For a direct outing, climb the signed, stepped path from the fell access near the Snowhill Lane/Higher Lane junction to the summit and return by the same path to the same gate. Add the approach from wherever you parked or arrived by bus. A separate circuit crosses the summit, descends towards Grizedale Reservoir and follows the brook and woodland back to Higher Lane. Do not combine these different route scopes when planning distance or return time.

Terrain and access

Steep steps, uneven paths, muddy fields and lanes without pavements require care. This is working sheep-farming country; use signed rights of way, leave gates as found and keep dogs on a short lead around livestock. Follow any woodland-work diversions and nesting-season notices. Race routes may include permission-only land, so do not use a race descent as evidence of ordinary public access.

Landscape and heritage

BGS describes Nicky Nook as a Pendle Grit sandstone promontory on an anticline, shaped by folding and later ice erosion. The Victoria Jubilee Cairn dates from 1887, while separate stone towers relate to the Thirlmere Aqueduct. These are different from the summit trig point.

Arrival and refreshments

Scorton and the Applestore Café provide refreshments and shops nearby. Café parking is advertised for visitors; check its posted terms before leaving a vehicle for a hill walk. The A6 bus stop at Cabus, Station Lane has a walking approach into Scorton, which must be added to the hill route. Check current timetables and return travel arrangements.