A Bit of Nookie with Nicky

Thursday 23rd October

A Bit of Nookie with Nicky ( courtesy "Carry On Walking !")

Walkers:-  John R,  Mike H,  John W,  Harry M.
Distance 8.3 miles

We gathered at Beacon Mansions the ancestral home of "Squire" Mounsey. Here we checked our gear to ensure we were well accoutred to tackle the daunting slopes of "Nicky Nook". Our experienced guide, non other than the "squire" himself, soon had us loaded into the car and off we set. We parked en route to  Scorton  close to Harry's brother's house and set off along "Green Lane".  In spite of our leader's meteorological connections, the day was decidedly damp (for which he apologised) It was only a few minutes before we arrived at the River Wyre. (We had passed several concrete baths ???) From here the "Millenium" footpath led us into Scorton village itself. A right turn and the steep climb began, past the church we were to visit later. A short stop for "Elevenses"  and it wasn't long before we arrived at a stile where a rough looking, but well made,  path invited us to scale the dizzy heights of our goal. The path was indeed steep. (for which our guide apologised) . The "Hairy One" had to admit he found this tough going but eventually we found ourselves at the triangulation post on top of "Nicky Nook". As the weather was a trifle inclement we continued past the post and followed the even steeper path (for which our leader apologised) as it descended to a somewhat larger track. Here we found a small stone seat and as the rain was not at that moment descending we "lunched". Off again but now we were heading gently downhill and the "Hairy One" was coping well. After passing  a reservoir where we were warned (notice the alliteration there) NOT to swim. We continued our walk greatly disappointed ! ! !  The path led us down alongside a tumbling stream and immature pheasant were scattered as the autumn leaves all around us. As we left the stream to cross a small field a Heron took of and slowly flapped its way up into the sky before a shout from Harry alerted us to a group (4) Roe Deer bounding across in front of us. They disappeared up the embankment only to return a few minutes later minus one of their number.  We arrived at a tarmacced road but left it almost immediately to cross a further field almost reaching the motorway. Here Harry momentarily GOT LOST (for which he apologised). In the distance we could see the spire of Scorton church. We had planned to look into the church were a WORLD WAR I  exhibition was on display. To reach the church we had to pass through an exceedingly tight kissing gate. Your writer was pleased to note that he was not the only one who had to squeeze to get through it. The exhibition was small but worth visiting. On returning to the "Squeezy" gate we found a scruffy, wet cap. Harry had lost it as we passed before. and so back along the "Millenium" path to the car but not before Harry had to return to the church to where he had left his stick. "Not only me that forgets then." said one of the group. We stopped briefly to watch the ducks along the Wyre. They seemed to be laughing at us. Comments were made too about a group of swans on the opposite bank (they were Geese). At last our weary knees and feet arrived back at the car. the tough little 5 Mile walk was actually 8.3 miles. 

A damp. tough but great walk full of interest. Well done Squire Mounsey.