Route details, maps, pubs, features, local history and folklore for a wide variety of walks focusing primarily on Norfolk and Suffolk

Features:Ruins Walks
Showing posts with label Features:Ruins. Show all posts

Thursday 24 February 2022

Norfolk Coast Path - Heacham to Brancaster

Heacham to Brancaster

A walk of beach, prom, dunes and marsh. A thoroughly varied landscape all told

From the cliffs of Hunstanton to the marshes of Thornham, this walk gives a variety of scenery. The Norfolk Coast Path is an excellent way to explore this part of the British Coast and what better way to start than at the westerly end. Even though Hunstanton is the official start, there is a promenade from Heacham for those wanting to go that little bit farther. There's long sandy beaches, there's multi-coloured cliffs, there's dunes, marshes, nature reserves and creeks and even a Norfolk hill from where where you can view across The Wash to Skegness on a clear day. With excellent public transport links, plenty of watering holes and accommodation, this is indeed a most thoroughly recommended walk.

The Peddars Way - Watton to Castle Acre

Watton to Castle Acre

A long and straight trail across lanes and tracks from Watton to Castle Acre.

Once at Little Cressingham the Peddars Way draws a long straight line through across the landscape. Gentle undulations provide little in the way of changing scenery and The Blue Lion at North Pickenham provides a very welcome half way point to rejuvenate ones energies and rest ones weary legs and feet from the hard tracks and metalled lanes. Castle Acre is a novel little village with its castle and priory ruins, both of which are well worth exploring.

Tuesday 10 December 2019

Exploring the Suffolk Coast and Heaths area of Oustanding Natural Beauty around Aldeburgh

Aldeburgh from the  River Alde estuary

A 12.5 mile walk between Aldringham and Aldeburgh through the Suffolk Coastal Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

There is a variety of differing scenery along this route, gentle hills around Aldringham, boardwalks across the marshes at The Fens, a walk along the old Aldeburgh railway and an estuary walk along river defences of the Alde. With such treasures as the pretty little church at Aldringham, tucked away in the trees and away from civilisation and the magnificent church of St Peter and St Paul at Aldeburgh, there is plenty to see and explore.

Wednesday 9 January 2019

Holt to Mannngton Circular Walk

An 18 mile circular walk using footpaths and bridleways through the attractive Norfolk countryside between Holt Country Park and the Mannington Estate.

This trail takes in woodland, open countryside, lanes and even a stream which one has to jump across to provide a variety of landscape. The majority of the route is clearly waymarked although the start in Holt country park lacks initial direction as does the section around the Mannington Estate. The only disappointment was the lack of pubs, the Hare and Hounds at Baconsthorpe having last closed its doors in 2010.

Monday 7 January 2019

A Walk to the Dunwich Leper Chapel

Leper Chapel

A 14.25 mile circular walk between Leiston to Dunwich

A simple walk using the Suffolk Coast Path from Sizewell to Dunwich with a visit to the ruins of the 12th century Leper Chapel. The return uses the the footpath via Mount Pleasant to get onto the Sandlings Path across Dunwich Heath to return back to Leiston.

Friday 4 January 2019

A Walk Around the Churches of Knodishall and Friston

An 8.4 mile circular walk around the Suffolk villages of Knodishall and Friston

An easy ramble across the Suffolk countryside, with the highlight being the hidden ruins of St Peters Church in the old parish of Buxlow, now a part of Knodishall. There's some fascinating history on this walk along paths that are off the beaten track but nonetheless well maintained.

Sunday 30 December 2018

Suffolk Coast Path - Lowestoft to Southwold Inland Route

Covehithe church

A 17 mile walk using the official inland route of the Suffolk Coast Path from Lowestoft to Southwold

Due to erosion and tides the Suffolk Coast Path takes an inland diversion for the section between Lowestoft and Southwold. Although the alternative beach route can be accessed providing the tides are right, this route nonetheless has its worth especially for the picturesque section around Frostenden.

Friday 28 December 2018

South West Coastpath - Par to Looe

Path to Polperro

A challenging 20 mile walk along the South West Coast Path between Par and Looe.

Some describe this as the most scenic of the south coast section of the Cornish South West Coast Path. There are the charming villages of Polkerris, Fowey, Polruan and Polprerro and the cliff-top path offers fantastic views along the Cornish coastline. Although the going is fairly strenuous around East Coombe, on the whole the path does not offer too much of a challenge other than in the sheer distance. Shorter walks can be planned using the bus services that connect Polruan and Polperro to Looe.

Sunday 23 December 2018

South West Coast Path - Portreath to Perranporth

Towanroath Pumping Engine House

A 12 mile walk along the South West Coast Path between Portreath and Perranporth

A landscape scarred with the remains of centuries of mining is what typifies this section of the South West Coast Path. The remains of old engine houses, foreboding chimneys and numerous bat friendly shaft covers are encountered along the cliff top path. There is also the legend of the Giant Bolster in these parts, a giant said to be so tall that he could stand with his feet straddled across two local peaks six miles apart.

Sunday 16 December 2018

South West Coast Path - Sennen Cove to Pendeen

Cliff mines at Botallack

A rewarding 9 mile walk along the South West Coast Path between Sennen Cove and Pendeen

This is a spectacular section of the South West Coast Path following the rugged cliffs on the western edge of Cornwall. There are a few challenges with the craggy terrain through to Cape Cornwall but the scenery is well worth the effort. The last stage is littered with the remnants of old mine workings that nestle into the cliff sides. These crumbling deserted edifices to old industry now sit aesthetically with their surroundings and at one with nature.

Friday 14 December 2018

Southwold to Covehithe Circular Walk

Beach at Easton Bavents

An 11 mile circular walk along the Suffolk Coast Path between Southwold and Covehithe

A walk along the beach route of the Suffolk Coast Path to the tiny hamlet of Covehithe with its impressive ruins of St Andrews church. Return is along the inland route of the Coast Path. This walk is dependant upon tides and consultation of tide times is vital in order to negotiate the beach route.

Monday 3 January 2011

In Search of the ruins of Leiston Abbey

A 10 mile circular walk around Leiston and Eastbridge in Suffolk

Leiston Abbey was originally founded in the late 12th century by Ranulf de Glanville. The original building was constructed on an island in the Minsmere marshes. Two centuries later, due to the inhospitable conditions on the marsh and constant flooding the Abbey was moved inland, lock stock and stone to a site close to Leiston. Despite a great fire in 1367 and much demolition following the dissolution of the monasteries there still remains some impressive ruins. There is still a remnant of the old Abbey, with the former chapel building sitting in its island position above the marsh, decaying into the landscape and containing a WWII pill box. This walk visits both sites making a well worthwhile walk.

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