Scorton Nature Trail

It was off to Scorton in the sunshine today for a stroll round Scorton Nature Trail. We spotted this easy walk in the Driving with Dogs website and thought it sounded worth a trip, combined with a quick visit to stock up on a few winter tubs from the Ashley Garden Centre near Barton.

Parking at the large and well signposted picnic site at Scorton we headed off on the path to the left of the car park, through the picnic area, and in to woodland. It wasn't long before the dog spotted the adjacent River Wyre and promptly dumped his rubber ball on the shallow river bed. After 5 minutes or so of fruitless searching we eventually guided him to his target and onwards we went, along a well trodden path through the woods, to a Hide overlooking the duck filled mere.

Trying not to disturb the wildlife on the mere we followed a small track which once again led us to the river. Here, a large pebble beach gave the dog a chance to practice his doggy paddle before we continued on, winding through trees, until we reached a large open field near the car park. Once again, the ball came in to play and we spent a good while playing fetch, until the dog decided he'd had enough exercise, and lay down stubbornly in the long grass.

You could walk the 1 mile easy route in 20 minutes or so but with a few stops along the way it's a nice place to spend an hour. On the down side, the noise of the nearby M6 motorway was rather intrusive at times, but you could wish for little more in terms of a riverside setting.

The site is managed by Lancashire County Council Countryside Service and although there many be a few puddles it's suitable for wheelchairs and trampers.

Doggy rating 6/10