River, Hill and Valley Walk (Forest of Bowland)

Scorton once formed part of the medieval manor of Nether Wyresdale and had 12 residences in 1786. The manor remained in the family of the Dukes of Hamilton until 1853 when it passed to the Ormerods, who built Wyresdale Park, St Peter's Church, the vicarage and the school, and also renovated most of the village. The Ormerods left the area in 1922 when the estate was broken up and sold off, mainly to the tenants.

Nicky Nook, though modest in height, offers splendid views over Lancashire's coastal plain, Morecambe Bay and beyond to the Lakeland fells. On a really clear day it is possible to see the Isle of Man and the Great Orme on the North Wales coast.

Birds such as meadow pipits and skylarks are common on the fell, while the more fortunate may catch a glimpse of tree pipits or yellowhammers.

Terrain

  • Tracks, fields and roads.
  • Gates and some stiles.
  • Steep sections and can be wet underfoot.

Distance

  • 8 miles
  • 5 hrs

The Route

Please observe the Countryside Code at all times.

  • Illustration - Red Waymarker Disc. Links to Advice for Walkers
  1. Turn right out of Calderbank Lodge along the road to a T-junction. Turn left up hill for 300m and take the grassy track on the right.
  2. Continue uphill, passing the track to the aerial masts and wireless station on the right, and down to a track crossroads. Continue straight on to Moor House. Walk across the front of the house and along a hedge lined track.
  3. The track bends right and then left before reaching a gate by a stream. Continue straight on keeping the hedge on your right to a gate onto a stone track. Go down into Burns farmyard.
  4. At the yard turn right, past the farmhouse and buildings. Turn right onto the lane then left shortly after. Go straight on, past the covered reservoir and over a stile at the edge of a wood.
  5. Cross the field to a kissing gate at the edge of the next wood.
  6. Follow the path straight down the steep bank and cross the footbridge.
  7. Continue straight ahead and uphill onto Higher Lane. Turn right along the lane and take the next left down Tithe Barn Lane. At the bottom turn right into Scorton.
  8. At The Priory, turn right up and follow Snowhill Lane up to its end where it meets Higher Lane.
  9. Take the kissing gate opposite and follow the path up to the trig point on Nicky Nook.
  10. From the trig point head downhill to and over a stile in a dry stone wall. Follow the path bearing left downhill towards a gap in the trees ahead and out onto a track.
  11. Turn left along this track until it reaches a lane. Turn right down the lane towards Fell End Farm. Before reaching the farm, take the concessionary path through a small gate on the right to by-pass the farm.
  12. Take the track bearing right for a short distance to a gate on the left. Go through this gate and follow the path to the layby at Grizedale Bridge.
  13. Turn right and follow the road uphill passing Grizedale Lea Reservoir on your right. Just past the reservoir entrance take the footpath on the right. After about 50m, before reaching the edge of the wood on the right, turn left following the bottom of the slope to come out onto the road. Turn right and follow the road downhill back to Calderbank Lodge.

Starting Point

River, Hill and Valley Walk (Forest of Bowland) can be found at:

  • River, Hill and Valley Walk (Forest of Bowland)
    Calder Vale
    Barnacre with Bonds
    Lancashire

The map below shows its approximate location:

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