First let me apologize for the lack of recent updates due to Tier 3 travel restrictions I am currently unable to travel to the Lake District which among many other things is causing me a great deal of stress but I'm managing it the best I can with local walks. I also used the last few weekends to catch up on decorating the house which has kept my mind away from Lakeland if only for a while. I also would like to thank everyone who has emailed me your kind words go a long way.

So, back to todays walk in the Forest of Bowland where I will explore Grizedale Head and Nicky Nook located in the east of the district within close proximity to the M6. Much like its neighbors these hills are very quiet and remind me very much of the hills surrounding Wetsleddale in the far east of Lakeland. Paths at times are few and far between so having a pre planned knowledge of your route if your new to a particular area as I am today would be essential.

Starting from Grizedale Bridge I ascend Breast Moss Hole and continue over Harrisend Fell from where I pick up a path across the main ridge linking Harrisend Fell with Grizedale Head before descending northwards onto the Catshaw Fell shooting track from where a mile of road walking is required before skirting around the west flank of Harrisend Fell from where I head south west through Fell End Farm and onto the gentle slopes of Nicky Nook. It was a dull day but being out in open moorland sets the imagination going and once again, my spark had been ignited.

I timed my arrival to allow for any lingering showers to clear with the promise of a few bright spells for the afternoon which never really materialized. The morning showers hadn't put most off finding the parking spaces full a little further up from the bridge but I managed to park in a nearby lay-by not far from a cattle grid. Its mild with little to no wind and despite around half a dozen cars parked up I couldn't see anyone around. I'm heading up the flank of Harrisend Fell seen right via a vague path right opposite the parking spaces but this path isn't on any map nor could I pick it out using Google Earth during my research.

With no rain forecast I add my Montane soft shell and gaiters which I can wholly recommend on a route where paths are vague at best. The plan is to head over to Grizedale Head then if time allows I'll include Nicky Nook at the end of the walk, a small but very popular hill flanked by Grize Dale and Grizedale Reservoir to the south and the M6 to the west. For anyone travelling between junctions 32 and 33 on the M6 you may often find quite a few cars parked on a bridge over the motorway. This bridge links Scorton with Grize Dale and I can only asume the cars owners are out taking a strole on Nicky Nook, those parked cars had me baffled for years but now I know why!