THE Lake District Fells, Morecambe Bay, Blackpool Tower and the Fylde Coast. These are just a few of the sights to be seen on a clear day from the top of Nicky Nook, a prominent hill on the edge of Bowland which overlooks the busy M6.

Driving north on the motorway between Garstang and Lancaster, Nicky Nook is easily overlooked.

So next time there are blue skies overhead, stop off at the village of Scorton and enjoy this walk which offers some of the finest and widest views across Lancashire.

The route heads up the wooded valley of Grizedale from where there is a short but steep ascent to the trig point on the top of the moor. From there it's downhill all the way . . .

DISTANCE: Four miles

START: Scorton village (OS Grid Ref: 502488). There is some roadside parking in the centre of the village. Scorton is two miles north of Garstang and is situated along a minor lane east off the A6. Leave the M6 at Junction 33.

From the centre of the village walk southwards along the main village street past the Methodist chapel on the right hand side. After passing a bowling green on the left, behind which is a tall church spire, turn left up Tithe Barn Lane. The lane goes under the motorway and swings right then left past houses, climbing to a T-junction of minor lanes. Turn right along the adjoining lane and follow it for about a quarter of a mile until a farmhouse is passed on the right and the lane kinks right and starts to drop downhill. At this point turn left off the lane along a track signposted for Grizedale valley. Go through the gate and follow the track down the wooded hillside. At the bottom of the hill turn right and cross the field to reach a stile by a gate. Turn left and cross the stile to follow a bridleway running alongside a beck. The track runs up the small valley of Grizedale below the moors and eventually reaches a reservoir beyond a kissing gate. Walk alongside the reservoir for about 400 yards until a signpost is reached on the left.

Climb up the steps in the wall to your left at this point taking the path signed for Nicky Nook. The path now climbs very steeply alongside a wall. When you reach the flat plateau bear right, heading towards a gate in the wall to your right, then bear left to join a more distinct path leading uphill to the summit pillar. Enjoy the view from here in all directions.

To continue the walk, pass the cairn and bear right along the path which drops to the left of a tarn and a group of conifer trees. Go through a gap in a wall and continue through the kissing gate by a little reservoir. It is now a quick descent from here to the lane below which is reached through a kissing gate. On reaching the lane continue directly downhill along the lane opposite. This lane runs downhill and swings left through woodland before crossing over the motorway. It then passes a church and village school before joining the main village street.