Jerry Noddle Trail

A circular loop of about 2.3 miles (3.7 km) through Dalby Forest, starting and finishing at Bickley Gate. Around 70 m of gentle climbing takes you between roughly 178 m and 258 m, and most walkers should allow about 1.25 hours with stops for the views.

From the car park the marked route begins about 150 m away and heads onto Rigg Noddle Track before working up to the high ground at Jerry Noddle. The reward there is a broad outlook across Broxa Forest and Langdale Forest, with panoramic views over the Upper Langdale Valley. A further viewpoint over Langdale Forest comes later in the loop before the track turns back toward Bickley Gate. Along the way is the Winged Sheep Aedicula, a 2021 sculpture by Fiona Bowley formed as a shrine cut into a large sandstone block.

Rated easy and mostly flat, the loop follows forest gravel roads with a few earth-based forest tracks and some off-road sections. The climbing is spread out rather than steep, so the main demands are distance and uneven ground underfoot on the earth tracks.

Park at Bickley Gate car park and follow the white markers with black arrows around the circuit. Trail maps are available from the visitor centre, which is worth collecting if you like to confirm junctions as you go. Because the described start sits a short distance from the parking area, keep an eye out for the first markers as you set off.

Dogs are welcome on this forest visit. Scoop and bin waste, take care around water, respect wildlife, and follow the forest dog code.

This loop is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs, as the earth forest tracks and off-road sections are not designed for wheeled access. The character is working forest road for much of the way, so the interest is concentrated at the viewpoints and the sculpture rather than spread evenly. If you need shorter, easier and more accessible surfaces, the Lakeside Trail at Staindale is a separate and much gentler option.