9k Run Wyre: Scenic Loop around Nicky Nook's Trout Lakes

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 9.0km loop through Wyre offers a rewarding blend of technical trail and smooth paving, making it a favorite for local fell runners looking for a quick vertical fix. Starting from Chipping Road, you'll tackle a 204m ascent that leads you up the iconic Nicky Nook. The terrain is characterized by its "hilly" profile—rated a level 3 for difficulty—balancing steep climbs with sweeping views of the Wyre Forest and the Fylde Coast. Runners can expect a mix of soft moorland paths and solid paved sections, providing a great opportunity to test your climbing legs while enjoying the serene atmosphere of the trout lakes nestled in the valley below.

Steeped in Lancashire charm, Nicky Nook serves as the western gateway to the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Historically, this area has been a focal point for hill walkers and agricultural life, but the trout lakes themselves add a unique Victorian-era tranquility to the landscape. Running here feels like a journey through time, as the route skirts the edges of the Grizedale Reservoir, which has supplied water to the region since the mid-19th century. Locals know that the summit of Nicky Nook is one of the best spots in Wyre to catch a sunset, offering a panoramic perspective of the Lakeland fells on a clear day.