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

Distance:Medium Walks
Showing posts with label Distance:Medium. Show all posts

Thursday 16 May 2019

South West Coast Path - Osmington to Lulworth

View across to Durdle Door and beyond

A 7 mile walk along the South West Coast Path From Osmington to Lulworth Cove

A spectacular but demanding walk along the Dorset section of the South West Coast Path. The huge undulating cliffs present challenges to overcome but the scenery is magnificent beyond doubt that will leave one gasping in awe. Probably one of the most iconic sections of the whole south West Coast Path culminating in familiar landmark of Durdle Door.

Saturday 11 May 2019

In Search of Polsborough Gate

track to Aldeburgh Road

A 9.5 mile walk following the old Snape Road to the Sailors Path

This walk links Leiston with the Sailors Path following the old traditional road that used to link the town with Snape. There is then an outstanding ramble across Black heath and Hazlewood marshes through to Aldeburgh where a regular bus service links back with the start. Along this route was what in the 1700s was known as Polsborough Gate, a landmark whose position and derivation is unknown but with a little research some information about it can be determined

Tuesday 16 April 2019

SWCP - Weymouth to Osmington

Portland viewed from Overcombe

A 5.6 mile walk along the South West Coast Path between Weymouth and Osmington

A reasonably easy wander along the South West Coast Path out of Weymouth heading east. The end of the walk navigates along the inland section of the path to Osmington where buses return to Weymouth.

Thursday 4 April 2019

The Poppy Line - Holt to Sheringham

Steam engine heading to Weybourne

A 6.5 mile walk following the Poppy Heritage Steam Railway Line between Holt and Sheringham

An easy ramble roughly following the Poppy Line from Holt to Sheringham. The varied landscape that this route navigated is heathland, woodland and coast with the ever present steam railway always in range either audibly or physically. A great way to see the engines in full steam with a return being hauled back on this iconic railway. The best place to watch the engines close up is the level crossing on Kelling Heath where the steam engines require a full head of steam to get their loads up the incline from Weybourne.

Saturday 26 January 2019

Norfolk Coast Path - Cley to Wells-next-the-Sea

Marshes near Blakeney

A 10 mile walk following the Norfolk Coast Path between Cley and Wells-next-the-Sea

An easy walk along the Norfolk Coast Path navigating out across the marshes to Blakeney then along the marsh perimeter to Wells. Blakeney is a worthy stopping point to explore Mariners Hill and the Guildhall and take in the legends of the Blakeney tunnels and the tragic story of the Blakeney Fiddler who is depicted on the village sign.

Saturday 19 January 2019

Lancashire Coastal Way - Freckleton to Lytham St Annes

View across the Ribble estuary

A 10 mile walk along the Lancashire Coastal Way from Freckleton to Lytham.

The Lancashire Coastal way is a 137 mile footpath following the coastline between Merseyside and Cumbria. The starting point is at the little village of Freckleton which lies midway between Preston and Lytham St Annes on the Ribble Estuary. This first section through to Lytham follows the estuary along the salt marshes and alongside the Warton airbase. Views can be seen across the estuary towards Southport and beyond are the hills of Wales. A fine days walk that takes one from river to coast.

Sunday 13 January 2019

East Suffolk Line Walk - The Yox Blyth Walk

Mells village

A 10 mile walk along the East Suffolk Line Trail between Halesworth and Darsham

Great views are to be had along the Blyth valley before footpaths head over to the Yox valley. The village of Bramfield is at the half way point where is an old pub for refreshments as well as a distinctive church with a detached tower and a fine example of a Crinkle Crankle Wall, not to mention the legendary Bramfield Oak.

Thursday 10 January 2019

South West Coast Path - Hayle to St Ives

View to Godrevy Point

An easy and delightful 6 mile walk along the South West Coast Path between Hayle and St Ives

This is one of the easier sections of the South West Coast Path that keeps within easy reach of civilisation and follows the St Ives branch line along this idyllic coastline. A few climbs but nothing too strenuous. Excellent views across the sandy beaches up to Godrevy Point. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon stroll.

Holkham to Wells Circular Walk

A 9 mile circular walk along the North Norfolk Coast between Holkham and Wells-next-the-sea

An alternative to the North Norfolk Coast Path, which follows the landward side of the large belt of pine trees known as Holkham Pines, is to walk along the glorious sandy Holkham beach. This was such a well worth experience with acres upon acres of sandy beach and dunes. With clear blue skies and a little sunshine this makes for a superb walk at any time of the year. The Albatros, a sailing ship that is permanently moored at Wells Quay provides some fine and simple lunches including fresh mussels which provide a fitting half way point to this walk. The return uses the tracks around the Holkham estate taking in views of the hall, the lake and obelisk.

Wednesday 9 January 2019

In Search of the Mysteries and Legends of Iken and St Botolph

A 7 mile walk along the Alde estuary, following the Suffolk Coast Path from Snape to Iken

There are disputes as to whether Iken is the land of Icanho that St Botolph was granted by King Ethelmund to build his minster in the 7th century. If it was then there were marsh demons in these parts during those time and one can still feel the eeriness of the area with the mysterious Yarn Hill where Botolph reputedly drove away the ghosts and marsh demons in order to build his minster. It was eventually completed on the site of the historic church at Iken which still bears his name. The church is a fascinating place to visit - be sure to spend a little time here and see St Botolphs stone cross which was unearthed in 1977 and is on display within the church.

Tuesday 8 January 2019

Knebworth Circular Walk

Mardley Heath woodland

A 5 mile around Knebworth taking in Rabley Heath nature reserve

A short circular walk that includes a section through woodland of Rabley Heath Nature Reserve. Refreshments can be found at The Robin Hood and The Lytton Arms which has a large selection of real ales.

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.

Wednesday 2 January 2019

A Walk around Suffolk's Minsmere Bird Reserve

Minsmere sluice

A 10 mile circular walk through the Suffolk Coastal Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty taking in Sizewell and the Minsmere Bird Reserve

One does not have to have an enthusiasm for ornithology to enjoy this walk. The natural surroundings of marshland and heathland are enough to inspire everyone and there is a lot of associated history along this route which dates back to the 12th century when Leiston Abbey once occupied an island in the marshes. Note that charges apply to the Minsmere section.

Sunday 30 December 2018

Wherrymans Way - Loddon to Reedham

reedhamquay

An 11 mile walk from Loddon to Reedham along the Wherrymans Way, returning along the same route.

There is no public transport linking Loddon and Reedham, and few other footpaths in the area which is predominately marshland around the river Yare. Therefore this walk requires one to return along the same route. This should not detract one from walking this as it is a very pleasant ramble along the Wherrymans Way with pubs at Reedham making a veritable half way refreshment stop.

Saturday 29 December 2018

South West Coast Path - Mousehole to Marazion

Mousehole

A 7 mile walk along the Cornish section of the South West Coast Path between Mousehole and Marazion

A simple and easy walk along paved coastal areas of Mousehole, Newlyn, Penzance and Marazion. As on this occasion, even if it is dreadful weather, the path can still be completed safely and without aid of maps or navigation aids.

A Norfolk Broads Walk from Neatishead to Horning

Cormorants on Barton Broad

An easy 6 mile walk following the River Ant down to the Bure at Horning.

The Norfolk Broads are full of ghostly stories and this walk brings a few to life. From the spooky lights of Hoards Hole, encounters with Black Shuck and the curious transformation of Horning's riverside houses to Saxon days when it was just a grassy bank, there is plenty to reflect upon as one wanders the footpaths and quiet country lanes that make up this route. And maybe, who may tell, given the right conditions, you may even glimpse a spectral view from another dimension.

Suffolk Coast Path - Orford to Butley Ferry

A 6.5 mile Suffolk circular walk along the banks of the Ore and Butley rivers between Orford and the Butley Ferry river crossing at Gedgrave.

The Suffolk Coast Path Orford Loop has two routes back onto the main trail, the first returns from Orford up to Chillesford but an alternative is to follow the lane from Orford to Gedrgrave and down to Butley Ferry. Although this crossing only operates from April to October, a pleasant and easy circular walk can be made from Orford returning along the top of the river defences.

Friday 28 December 2018

Angles Way - Oulton Broad to Beccles

Beccles

A 9 mile walk along the Angles Way between Oulton Broad and Beccles in Suffolk

The path between Oulton Broad and Beccles doubles up as both The Angles Way and the East Suffolk Coast Line walk. There is not much to this walk other than following the winding path alongside the River Waveney. It is a pleasant enough stroll but without much activity on the river it can become a little monotonous until Beccles approaches. Nonetheless, what a better way than to spend a sunny afternoon other than ambling alongside the river.

Tuesday 18 December 2018

Cleveland Way - Saltburn to Staithes

Cleveland Way marker at Skinningrove

A 9 mile walk following the Cleveland Way between Saltburn and Staithes

This walk passes over the highest point on the east coast of England, a 670 foot high cliff at Boulby. The entire route bears the marks of numerous quarrying operations from over the centuries. The village of Skinningrove is roughly half way, and it is this place that holds a legend of a merman being captured and held in one of its cottages.

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.

Walk Summaries

Latest walk summaries are basic information sheets for walks that have yet to be fully documented. These provide links to maps, public transport and walks stats, although detailed notes and features are not included.

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