14 members of the rambling group met today in the village of Scorton, about 8 miles south of Lancaster, to enjoy a ramble through the surrounding countryside. Scorton is on the banks of the River Wyre and is particularly fortunate in its location, being only a short way from the A6 and yet on the edge of the Forest of Bowland, an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. Scorton meaning ‘farmstead near a ditch or ravine’ is a village in the parish of Nether Wyresdale. It was developed around the cotton mill and railway in the nineteenth century, although there are records of the village and catholic church in Scurton, or Scorton, tracing back to the seventeenth century. Leaving the village by a quiet country road….after the late comers had arrived ..and someone then diverted to by an ice cream! we followed paths and tracks to start the ramble through the countryside. Crossing some open farmland and meadows we enjoyed lovely views and having negotiated some extremely dodgy stiles, began the upward trek to the distant hill. Situated at the back of Scorton is the quaintly named “Nicky Nook”, which we ascended to the trig point having eaten a picnic lunch in the shade of the trees in the forest as the day was becoming increasingly hot. From here we had a 360 degree view across Morecombe Bay and could clearly identify Blackpool Tower, the outline of the Big Dipper on the coast, and in the far distance the fells of the Lake District. There was a lovely welcome breeze on the top of the hill, which disappeared as we descended a very precarious set of steps, along the edge of Grizedale Lea reservoir, and then followed the path back through the village to our start point. A great walk of approx 8 miles, with some good climbs and very varied scenery. Having change boots we wandered back into the village for some liquid refreshment at The Barn, before setting off for the M6 and heading home. Thanks to Ann and Peter for doing the recce and leading the walk.
Maghull and Lydiate U3A
U3A third age learning social
