Buxton, Norfolk 30 April 2010

This is a lovely 3 mile walk alongside the river Bure in Norfolk.Grid Ref 224226. There are several styles.
Originally I saw this walk in the EDP Walking section which is an excellent feature.
I parked in the village hall car park. There are signs for  a car park but I think it has been built on?

Turn right out of the car park and walk underneath the rail bridge. Carry on towards the Mill. Just before the Mill there is a path on your left. I did not find it easily but if you follow the line from the footpath on the  opposite side of the road it is clearer.
The path leads round the back of some houses and is then quite narrow with several tree roots but also quite magical. There are good views along the river towards the Mill. After a style the path becomes broad and follows the twists and turns of the River Bure. The path is only a foot or two above the river and I felt at one with the wonderful countryside I was presented with.
Today I saw two Heron as they took off up ahead from the side of the river, their long scrawny legs trailing behind them and that instantly recognisable beak. (I am not very knowledgeable on bird species but do enjoy seeing them in their habitat and of course their songs. Music to accompany me on my travels.) Two Monkjack Deer were on the other side of the river running really fast and making such a strange noise. Bonus Ball!!
Mr Pheasant also appeared and I love to hear their throaty call when I am out and about.
After just under 2 miles there is  a bridge  where small horser/ponies?? were grazing. Turn right and through a gate to a path across the field which takes you to the Bure Valley Railway which has a path alongside it. Turn left and take the first set of  steps down to Mill Road. Turn right and back to the village Hall.
A  walk of  3 miles, wonderful countryside, no traffic noise, the flow of the river. Does it get any better than this?
Afterwards I stopped a the Crown Pub for a refreshing drink and time to write up my walk.
Stuart

St James to South Elmham 220410

St James to South Elmham Ref Ex231 319811

This walk is thanks to  "Rural Rambles Round Halesworth" Walk No1 by Waveney and District Ramblers.

Park in the village hall car park, turn left out the car park, right at the junction and after 20 yards turn right onto a footpath and you are on your way.

The route takes you past wide open fields and skies, oak trees, hornbeam trees, bird song, derelict barn, small streams, spring buds, foot bridges(walkers love foot bridges, there is just something about them!), the ruin of a Minster, Old barns with bending beams and black sheep.

I work indoors in a hotel all day for several days so to suddenly find myself with huge blue skies, white clouds, and horizons that stretch for miles and miles is just so wonderful. Lungfulls of fresh air, no traffic noise but the delightful singing of birds. I have no knowledge of different species but always feel that as a human being I can in some way connect and be in tune with these creatures. On this enjoyable, bright and sunny day their song truly celebrates the the good fortune we share in being able to enjoy the day.

My path takes me past the ruins of a 11th Century Saxon Minster near South Elmham Hall. Founded by the bishop of Norwich. As I stand inside these huge flint walls, partly dilapidated now but still massive, still exuding a huge strength. I am in a very spiritual place, as good as any elaborate cathedral. Time to reflect and to give thanks inside these strong spiritual walls, blue sky above, trees around me and birdsong. Where better to commune with  something bigger than me.

On through more open fields, lucky today, no cows despite several warning notices! Then on my return to the car park I am greeted by the unusual sight of the Coffee Caravan, designed to bring information to outlying villages and I am presented with a freshly brewed cup of tea, a seat and the hospitality of several interesting people. Now beat that at the end of a walk!

Stuart

Horsford 7th Birthday Health Walk 16 04 10 TG191168

Today we celebrated 7 Years of Health walks with a meet up of 98 at the Brickmakers Pub. Having manged to squeeze over 50 cars in we set off doing a circular walk around the back of the pub, many horses and then for those of us on the longer 3.8 mile option we crossed the main road and into the woods.
Walking in the woods always gives you that very atmospheric feeling, the wind in the trees. No one got lost as we were able to stay in sight of front and back markers and enjoyed  the paths. I have found woods can be very disorientating and its very easy to get lost if you not have a compass as all looks the same and there are no reference points. A good mornings walk and coffee, cake and a distribution of literature in the pub afterwards. Everyone was very jolly!!
Stuart