Galgate, Day 2

We awoke this morning to beautiful clear skies and our first frost of the winter.  After breakfast we went for a walk around our lake. The reflections were superb in the still clear air, although there were no goosander, otters or kingfishers, all of which can be seen here.  At the appointed hour we launched ourselves off to Scorton and the Applestore cafe for our walk: a circuit of and an ascent of Nicky Nook.  We had met up with Thomas and Katy and we had a perfect day; I was delighted that I was able to get up steep-sided Nicky Nook with stops and without being too breathless.  Sadly, when we got back, the Apple Store was so busy we couldn't get in so we repaired to an excellent cafe nearby which is attached to a garden centre and popular with cyclists.  The day was completed with a welcome pint, an excellent meal cooked by Linda and a malt.  

Tomorrow Leighton Moss calls.

To view large, please click on an image

Lake District, September, Day 3. Nicky Nook and the Forest of Bowland.

Although our caravan site at Ashes Lane is open, with covid restrictions we are allowed no visitors so Thomas was not able to come to us. In view of this we arranged to meet him in the Forest of Bowland where he was keen to take us up the small fell of Nicky Nook.  We met up at the infromal car park at Grizedale Bridge and once kitted up set off down the wooded Grizedale valley, the sun sparkling on the water in the stream.  The valley sides are clothed in oakwoods with alder near the river.  Before long we came to one of the many reservoirs in this area and the track winds around the edge.  We continued beyond the reservoir to the end of the valley where we stopped to have lunch in the sun, a fallen tree providing an admirable seat.  A short road section took us to the turn into Scorton and here we began the steep but short climb up onto the summit ridge of Nicky Nook with the trig point gleaming white in the sun against the Bowland fells.  After stoppong for some photography on the summit we descended quickly back to the reservoir and retraced our steps back to the cars.  An excellent walk was finished off with the day's Tour de France stage and magic fish and chips from Thomas's local award winning fish shop.

To view large, please click on an image.