Summary

Summits Achieved

Preface

We were having a quiet afternoon, with steaming mugs in paw, and cake of course.

"I just love this chocolate caramel shortbread, Grizzly", said Tetley with a look of ecstasy on his face.

"And the chocolate flapjack is scrumptious too", Little Eric, went on Southey.

"It is just so good of you both to take the time to bake such delicious cakes for us", said Shaun. "You can be sure that we do not take it for granted."

We know that", replied Little Eric. "But as I have said before both Grizzly and I find is relaxing and therapeutic."

Allen had the iPad in paw, and said, "Dad is at the Lifeboat Shop on Saturday, but Sunday looks to be OK for the weather, so hopefully we may get a walk."

Little Eric said, "I have been looking down the extended list and while only a very modest height, I just like the sound of Nicky Nook."

"Well they all have to be done, so why not", responded Southey.

Tetley said, "there is a walk to that summit in the book, Country Walks around Lancaster", that he promptly went to get. Then looking at the index, he remarked, "Dad has actually done this the date being 12th September 1980."

"Wow 35 years ago, and long long before any of us were even adopted, in fact even before Gladly, who was Dad's first teddy hug member", said Grizzly incredulously.

Booting the laptop, Allen opened the spreadsheet, and said, "yes it is recorded but Dad has not taken credit for the summit, so one for him to add on. He did it with Uncle Brian too.

"The published walk starts in Scorton", said Tetley.

"If I recall there is not much parking there", went on Shaun who, getting the map traced the route.

Looking over his shoulder, Grizzly pointed, "how about we start from Grizedale Bridge on the Oakenclough road. It will mean having to repeat a section to the main valley path, but will add a bit of distance and I am sure it will be pleasant walking."

"A sound idea", agreed Shaun. "Right off you go Allen and see what Dad thinks."

"OK pal", as he drained his mug and trotted out of the room book and map in paw.

"Better refill his mug, Shaun", said Little Eric, "you know what a tea belly he is."

Allen soon returned, saying "thanks pal", as he accepted the steaming mug. "The walk is on and Dad agrees it is a good idea to start from Grizedale Bridge. Also he says that it will be a repeat of his first ever recorded summit, 35 years on."

"Yippee,", cried Southey. "Roll on Sunday."

The Walk

With a number of Bowland Walks under our belts, today's drive to the start was now very familiar. To Lancaster then south to the village of Galgate turning right at the traffic lights. Then under the M6 and on to Dolphinholme, keeping straight on to finally come to Grizedale Bridge, where there is a small unsurfaced parking area to the right.

As Dad got ready, Grizzly said, "the route is along that clear path to the junction by the distant signpost."

As can be seen the day was to be dry with some sunshine, but as ever this summer a cool wind. "We really have not had any real summer at all this year", remarked Allen.

"True lad", replied Dad, "but honestly I am not too bothered, as I do not like the very hot weather."

So with Dad now ready we settled in his rucksack, and shouldering it, Dad strode out along the gravel path, passing through three gates to the signposted junction.

"I know we are heading for Grizedale, but which way?", said Southey.

"Left via Holme Wood", replied Shaun.

A footbridge was crossed and the path meandered on into Holme Wood.

"It is just beautiful through here", said Allen. "We aught to come back in spring, as judging by the number of rhododendrons it will be a magnificent sight when they are in bloom."

"Autumn too, as the colours will be amazing", added Little Eric.

A good path as can be seen, and over the boggy areas boardwalks made of easy progress.

Just before a gate, there was a seat, Southey saying, "how about you take our picture sitting there, Dad?"

"Sure lads. Now get yourselves settled so I can line up the shot."

Soon the track bent right past an arm of Grizedale Dock Reservoir and so to a wide surfaced bridleway.

"It is left here", said Shaun.

The track took alongside the reservoir and on the sylvan way through the lovely Grizedale to come to a junction. What a joy it was to walk through here.

Shaun instructed, "it is over the stile on the right."

This path led us to a gate on to Higher Lane at Slean End. Going right we passed the house of that name.

"We should look out for a path going left", advised Shaun.

After a little way, Tetley called, "here it is."

This was accessed via a gap stile and steps down into the field and crossing this diagonally.

"There are sheep", said Southey mischievously, as he knows that Allen prefers to keep the stories sheep picture free.

"I know what you are about", replied Allen, with a laugh.

Well his luck was out today, as Dad soon had the camera in hand and snapped off this picture.

More stiles were climbed and finally passing left of a brick building Tithe Barn Lane was reached. Without needing any direction Dad went left to follow this down under the M6 and into Scorton, turning right at the junction.

Up on the hill was St Peter's Church. Dad remarked, "this is very close by the M6, and is always a comforting sight travelling north, meaning that I was not far from home. I am heartily glad that those times when I was travelling to all parts of the country are long behind me"

"It would be nice to have a look round", said Grizzly.

"I doubt it will be possible as there is likely a service on, being Sunday.

And so it turned out as we could hear the organ as we passed the door, to find a good place to take a picture.

The church was built in 1878–79 for the Ormrod family of Wyresdale Hall, providing seating for 250 people at a cost of £14,000 (£1,270,000 as of 2015). St Peter's is constructed in sandstone rubble, with tiled roofs and a shingled spire. Its plan consists of a nave and a chancel under a continuous roof, a north aisle, a south porch, and a west tower surmounted by a broach spire. The tower has diagonal buttresses, a stair projection on the south side, a doorway on the north side, and a three-light west window with a pointed head. The bell openings have two lights, other than that on the south, which has a single light, and all are flat-headed. All the windows have pointed heads. Along the north aisle are three windows, one with three lights and two with two lights. The west window has two lights. On the south side of the church are five three-light windows. The east window has five lights. It is a Grade II listed building. (We acknowledge Wikipedia for this information).

Strolling on through the pretty village these hanging baskets made a colourful sight.

Shortly Shaun said, "we go right on Snowhill Lane."

This climbed to cross the M6 motorway...

...and continued swinging left and then at a corner sharp right to climb through woodland to its junction with Higher Lane.

Across and just left was the entrance to Nicky Nook Fell.

"Ooh look a cafe", called out Southey.

With disappointment in his voice Dad replied, "but were where we started, there is no road to it without a long diversion."

"Never mind Dad", said Tetley comfortingly, "you can have a cuppa when we get home."

The good soil path climbed steeply at first, passing this small reservoir.

The gradient eased and looking left, Grizzly said, "that is The Tarn according to the map.

As Dad strode on, Allen soon called out, "it's not far now, there is the summit ahead."

Arriving at the trig point, Southey called out, "let's sit on top."

However after he and Allen were blown off, it was clear that today we would have to be content to sit at the bottom.

Dad said, "35 years since I last stood here with Uncle Brian. Over half my life time. So much has happened, the very best thing being my enduring friendship with Uncle Brian. I never would have thought either that I would explore so much of Northern England, and climb so many hills and mountains in the Lake District, Howgills and Yorkshire, with our good friends Uncle Bob and Uncle Eric for company on some. And of course with you for company Lads, which has made it so much more fun."

Only just over 700ft, but a superb viewpoint to the Fylde and Morecambe Bay. Heysham Nuclear Power Station can be clearly picked out above The Tarn.

Getting ourselves settled again in Dad's rucksack, Shaun said, "we take the path heading east."

Coming to a junction he then instructed, "it's the left fork towards that stile in the wall. Beyond, this tower was passed.

As Dad took the picture, Southey said, "I can see another, to the south-west. What are they in aid of?"

"Must be to do with one of the aqueducts", replied Tetley.

Making the descent we came to a structure and small building that the map showed was a syphon well, and on the hill beyond the bridleway another. Just before the bridleway, were came to a concreted area with this small access grid.

"You were right, Tetley", said Grizzly. The letters 'TA' indicate it is the Thirlmere Aqueduct."

At the bridleway, we turned right to a gate, and beyond walk the wide track through the lovely woodland.

This brought us to the signposted gate we had come through before, where as can be seen our way was left into Holme Wood and a retrace of our outward route to Grizedale Bridge.

"What a lovely walk Dad", said Southey. "It was quite enchanting through the woodland.

"Yes thanks as always", added Tetley, "and we have all caught up with you."

---

In early September there was a day down to walk with Uncle Eric. The weather for the Lakes looked to be not very good, so Dad suggested to him doing this walk, assuring him that we were quite happy to repeat it. Their plan was to have lunch at the The Barn, that is also a garden centre with a huge gift shop. So with this in mind it was decided to get the climbing out of the way first.

So on reaching the bridleway at the signpost in the picture above, instead of turning left, we went right. So, effectively we did the walk in reverse, soon ascending Nicky Nook. Then down to the lane and immediately right to descend to Scorton, to after lunch walk on through the village and across the fields to return through the lovely Grizedale Valley.

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