Saxtead and Earl Soham Circular Walk Summary

A country ramble through rural Suffolk taking in the villages of Saxtead and Earl Soham

This walk can be described as a typical Suffolk rural ramble. Quiet country lanes and accessible footpaths make this suitable for anyone.

Highlights begin almost immediately with the working Saxtead Green Post Corn Mill, preserved and maintained by English Heritage. As the route descends into Earl Soham there is the 13th century church of St Mary which is well worth visiting. The village of Earl Soham is a real piece of picture postcard Suffolk with its broad leafy main street providing an air of tranquillity. At the western end the road passes across the River Ken which is no more than a babbling brook that feeds into the River Deben.

At the edge of the village is the traditional old pub known as The Victoria. Unspoilt and unmodernised, this is a delight to visit. It once hosted a brewery, but due to demand it was moved across the road and has subsequently moved out of the village although it still supplies the pub with its traditional local ales.

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Leiston to Reckford Circular Walk Summary

A circular walk encapsulating Leiston Airfield, Theberton woods and the Minsmere River

Few may have heard of Reckford and indeed as a location it is pretty much lost in the landscape. There is a Reckford Road in the neighbouring village and there is a 16th century Reckford Farmhouse and there is the Reckford Bridge but to all intents and purposes the community of Reckford is not recognised, just a small area of the village of Middleton. Whether the area was ever judged to be a village is unknown. Nonetheless we will make it the destination of this circular walk.

The walk has much to feast ones eyes upon. The former WWII Leiston airbase commonly known as RAF Leiston hosted the USAF 357th Fighter Group who were locally known as the Yoxford Boys. Little is left although there is a memorial that pays homage to the US crews that flew out of this airfield and never returned. There are some hidden remnants in the landscape, a broken up runway that crosses the farmland, old buildings that have camoflaged themselves in the undergrowth and now either lie redundant of have been put to use as farm buildings.

The walk continues onto the broadleaved woodland known as Theberton Woods before navigating down the quiet country lanes and tracks to Reckford.

Return is along the banks of the Minsmere river to Eastbridge then back to Leiston via the Abbey ruins.

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Weavers Way - Stalham to Aylsham Walk Summary

A walk along the dismantled M&GN railway from Stalham to Aylsham

This walk is the Railway section of the Weavers Way, a 60 mile long distance trail through the eastern side of Norfolk. This section follows the former M&GN railway trackbed from Stalham to Aylsham and there is plenty of evidence of the former railway with the stations of Honing and Felmingham still retaining their platforms and some structures and many typical railway style bridges throughout the trail.

Originally named as the Great Yarmouth and Stalham Light Railway when the first section was constructed in 1876, it changed its name to the Yarmouth and North Norfolk Light Railway with the extension to North Walsham in 1878. In 1881, in conjunction with the Lynn and Fakenham Railway a link between Melton Constable and North Walsham via Aylsham was added together with the light railway being converted to a full standard gauge line.

The 20th century saw this railway amalgamated into the Midland and Great Northern Railway, before combining into the LNER grouping. Post war saw its merger into the nationalised British Rail.

The line lasted until 1959 when it was deemed to be loss making and, along with many of Norfolk's railways, it closed down for good. The former railway line has now become part of the Weavers Way long distance trail as well as a designated county wildlife site and the cutting close to Felmingham has become a butterfly nature reserve.

The former railway has to be left at North Walsham where the modern road uses its route through the town. This provides a half way point of this walk and enables the hiker to peruse North Walsham as well as provide plenty of places to rest and refresh oneself before continuing onto Aylsham. The Hop Inn is always a recommended place to visit for those who like their ale. This micro pub serves six ever changing ales along with simple snacks and is always a hub of activity with conversation being the main entertainment of its customers.

There is no direct public transport link between the two ends of this walk and one requires to either use Cromer or Norwich as a link. In this instance Sanders Buses offers the number 6 service from Cromer to Stalham and to return there is the 44 servcie from Aylsham to Cromer.

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A Walk to Baconsthorpe Castle Walk Summary

An easy walk to view the ruins of Baconsthorpe Castle with return route to Sheringham

The remarkable ruins of the moated and fortified 15th century manor house known as Baconsthorpe Castle lie to the south of the village of Bodham on the main A148 road close to Holt. Footpaths and lanes provide access through to this isolated wonder that lie hidden in the Norfolk landscape. The Castle is currently under the tenure of English Heritage and entry is totally free. The landscaped area is surrounded by a picturesque moat and information boards document the history of the ruin. This really is something worth visiting so allow at least an hour to peruse this piece of Norfolk history.

In order to get to the start of the walk, there is a frequent seven day a week bus service linking Sheringham and Bodham. After navigation to the ruins, the return is via the village of West Beckham where there is the Wheatsheaf pub for lunches and refreshment. A footpath leads down to the main road from where permissive paths through Sheringham Park provide an interesting and pleasant route through to Upper Sheringham. This route follows the parks Temple Walk and then continues onto Park Road to emerge back on the road at Upper Sheringham. The park is open from dawn to dusk and outside of these hours one is required to walk down the B1157 which has no pavement making a hazardous route, particularly during holiday periods.

There are pavements between Upper Sheringham and the main town and the walk ends at the bus stop adjacent to the North Norfolk Railway station.

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Leiston to Hazlewood Circular Walk Summary

A somewhat challenging circular walk to Suffolks ancient parish of Hazlewood

Hazlewood was an ancient parish that bordered the River Alde in the Plomsgate Hundred of Suffolk. In 1934 it was annexed with the neighbouring parishes of Friston and Aldeburgh although names in the landscape still bear testament to its existence, including Hazlewood Common, the ultimate destination of this walk.

This is a challenging walk in respect of 20 yards of jungle to navigate through in order to get to The Grange farmhouse. Navigation of this neglected footpath does involve crawling on all fours as well as climbing across fallen trees. Not a walk for the feint hearted.

This challenge borders a field which was part of a WWI airfield that was in operation between October 1915 and September 1919. Known locally as Hazlewood Aerodrome, this grass airstrip was one of several support sites for RNAS Great Yarmouth and served as a night landing ground. It was also used by aircraft responding to Zeppelin raids. Little remains of the site as all support buildings have now either been demolished or collapsed although there is reputedly some concrete footings that can still be seen.

Other features on this route are the ancient Great Wood and some post medieval quarries. Return is across Aldringham Common where the former Aldringham Providence Baptist Chapel can be seen. Built in 1812, this chapel hidden away on the common was replaced in 1915 with a design by the Suffolk architect, poet and artist, Cecil Howard Lay. It has since been converted into a private residence.

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Sweffling Circular Walk Summary

Short circular walk through the Suffolk countryside around the village of Sweffling

A walk around some outstanding Suffolk countryside following the Alde valley south of Sweffling, starting and ending at the Sweffling White Horse pub. There is history too! As well as the many windmills that once sat on the ridge above the valley, the area also boasts a connection with the legends of St Edmund. A tale related by a 14th century manuscript tells of how Edmund defeated his enemies at a place known as Dernford. Although there is no evidence of exactly where this was, some attest that the site was south of Sweffling where Dernford Hall is located.

If you view the Sweffling village sign, on the upright is a heart pierced by a sword, which I am told is the representation of Edmunds victory in the battle.

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Cromer to Hopton 40 mile Challenge Walk

Extensive full day hike around the eastern section of the Norfolk Coast Path

This walk should only be undertaken by experienced long distance walkers or those who have specifically trained for such a feat. This specific route was undertaken from 5am with a high tide around 6am. This allowed for a beach walk from Waxham through to Caister as an alternative to the official dunes paths. A support car was employed to provide the return journey and offer assistance in case of emergency.

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Porlock Weir to Minehead Walk Summary

A 9 mile walk along the SWCP between Porlock Weir and Minehead

Walking in an anti-clockwise direction, this walk marks the end to the South West Coast Path. There are no gold embossed certificates handed out, no congratulating parades to cheer the triumphant walker across the finishing line, or national media around to film the completion of this mammoth 630 mile trek. Just a sculpture of a pair of hands holding an OS map and a self-satisfying sense of achievement with a hint of sadness that the trail is over and another challenge must be sought... or maybe turn around and do it all again in the opposite direction!

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Porlock Weir to County Gate Walk Summary

A simple 6 mile walk from Porlock Weir to County Gate Car Park

The walk navigates along the higher SWCP route through to Wheatham Combe from where the County Gate car park can be reached along bridleways. This route has the advantage of some fantastic views over the coast as opposed to the lower route through the wooded lower reaches of the cliffs. This walk does need the assistance of a friend or acquaintance to provide a return journey between the two ends of the walk, alternatively the walk can use the lower SWCP to make a circular route.

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County Gate to Lynmouth Circular Walk Summary

Circular walk linking the County Gate car park and Lynmouth

There is no public transport between Porlock and Lynmouth, therefore a days linear walk is not possible if one requires to return to the start. This walk uses a mid-point of the County Gate car park, located on Exmoor, to provide a circular route using the SWCP and Coleridge Way. The SWCP section is not too strenuous and provides some amazing coastal views whilst the Coleridge Way makes a very pleasant ramble alongside the East Lyn River to return to the County Gate

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Combe Martin to Lynmouth Walk Summary

Strenuous walk from Combe Martin to Lynmouth passing over the highest point on the SWCP

A strenuous walk between Combe Martin and Lynmouth passing over Great Hangman which at 319m is the highest point on the SWCP. This specific route provides an alternative to the official SWCP path out of the Heddon Valley which does reduce the distance slightly. This does give an advantage if one needs to return to the start using public transport as there is only a limited bus survice back to Combe Martin which involves having to travel via Barnstaple.

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Hele Bay to Combe Martin Walk Summary

Short Walk along the SWCP between Hele Bay near Ilfracombe and Combe Martin

This walk offers a few challenges but nothing untoward and is probably one of the best routes to introduce anyone to the SWCP. The views are outstanding and the numerous coves and small beaches tempting to spend a little more time in exploring. A very popular area with frequent transport links and plenty of refreshment options along the route.

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Hele Bay to Braunton Walk Summary

Extensive Walk along the SWCP between Hele Bay near Ilfracombe and Braunton

This route provides an alternative to the official SWCP whereby it short cuts the headland at Baggy Point and goes directly into Braunton omitting the section around Braunton Burrows. This achieves a sub 20 mile walk with bus access between Braunton and Ilfracombe. The cliffpath from Hele Bay to Woolacombe provides spectacular views and challenging walking whilst the sands of Woolacombe and Croyde make an easier terrain to navigate across.

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Barnstaple to Braunton Walk Summary

Easy walk along the South West Coast Path between Barnstaple and Braunton

An easy walk along the former LSWR railway trackbed which follows the Taw estuary. Amazing wide panoramas and level enough for wheelchair access.

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South West Coast Path - Westward Ho! to Barnstaple

One of the few low level and flat walks on the SWCP, 12.5 miles between Westward Ho! to Barnstaple

A very easy walk that can be split into two if required. The first part navigates around Northam Burrows, the duned area that juts out into the Taw and Torridge estuary. A ferry at Appledore links across to Instow where the trail continues making use of the former Bideford and Barnstaple railway trackbed.

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Norwich Riverside Walk

A simple 2.5 mile walk alongside the River Wensum through Norwich.

This picturesque walk through the centre of Norwich links the Marriott's Way at Barn Road roundabout on the inner ring road with The Wherryman's Way and Boudicca Way at Norwich Railway Station. There is a lot of history to the bridges over the River Wensom and associated folklore which is detailed in the features to this walk.

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Eye to Hoxne Circular Walk

A 10 mile walk around the Suffolk villages of Eye and Hoxne

Hoxne is said to be where St Edmund was Martyred by the Viking invaders in the 9th century. The village is full of reminders of the gruesome event including the cross which marks the place of the oak tree his assailants tied him to, beat him, fired arrows at and eventually beheaded and the bridge he reputedly hid trying to escape his captors.

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A Norfolk Ramble around the Burnhams

A 16 mile circular walk from Wells-next-the-sea taking in Burnham Thorpe, Burnham Market and Burnham Norton

This full days walk has everything to offer the adventurous rambler. There is a wander through the stately grounds of Holkham Hall in order to reach the humble church at Burnham Thorpe with its tributes to Norfolk's most famous son, Lord Nelson who was born and grew up in the area. Country lanes lead down to Burnham Market and the church of the old parish of Burnham Ulph. Heading down to the coast there is the church of Burnham Norton with its resplendent medieval paintings. The ramble returns along the vast expansive beaches in front of Holkham.

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In Search of Sizewell and Thorpe Beacons

A 10 mile walk following the southern side of the parish boundary of Leiston in Suffolk

This is the second article devoted to the walk following the route of a 17th century perambulation around the southern side of the Leiston Parish boundary. This article is concentrates on two landmarks from the past, namely Sizewell and Thorpe Beacons, which are thought to have been part of the Armada warning system.

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Southwold to Blythburgh along the former Southwold Railway

A linear walk along the former trackbed of the Southwold Railway to Blythburgh

The Southwold Railway was a narrow gauge line that linked Halesworth and Southwold. This closed in 1929 but the track bed is still in existence to Blythburgh and makes an excellent walk. The White Hart pub offers a place for refreshment before returning along the same route. Outstanding views across the Blyth estuary and easy walking across heath and woodland make this a well worthwhile excursion.

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