Runham, Norfolk 384108 260611

Further exploration today north of the A4y Acle straight.

Drove North from Gt Yarmouth towards Caister and Filby on A1064. Left turn to Maultby takes you into bewildering side roads where my poor sense of direction became quite lost. But eventually onto Runham.

Parked on a grassy bank by Manor Farm at the start of the footpath, very convenient. Path takes you towards the river clearly marked by Runham Drainage Mill which has been restored. Look left to view the wind turbines at Scratby, a difference in time and technology of nearly 200 years. At the bank you may find some squashed grass (that's not a track) which will take you to the banks of the River Bure.

The high bank has a part track and turning west you can follow this and enjoy views of a distant Gt Yarmouth, the busy but silent A 47, boats through the reeds on the Bure. Surrounded by birdsong in the middle of this remote piece of land this is pure joy!
   

  

Continue along the bank until just past a derelict Mill and Six Mile Cottage, what a great name, and turn down the bank towards the church of St Peter St Paul , Runham. Today the church was unlocked, a place of cool air on a hot day but more a place of quite simple serenity. Thank you for leaving it open!

Then a walk through Runham back to my sturdy steed, the old Ford.


A shortish walk but fabulous.



 

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Love this tree.


 

Stokesby 431105 220611

Oh joy! my first walk for some time! Selected Stokesby, just past Acle.
 Car park by river near to Adnams pub. Walk across the green and to the right of the phone box is a little lane (Croft Hill) going uphill. Keep going and ahead of you is the path through a field of wheat, clearly marked by a broad cut. Top marks to farmers who practice this style of path making, it benefits both walkers and farmers.
Follow path as it winds around the edge of fields. I was surrounded by bird song with fields all around me, lorries just visible in the silent distance. A disturbance in the crops saw a pair of rear legs bounding away from me, a hare I think but he was very quick.
Then a signpost directs you to the right, through a field and across a track to a farmers track by "Alder Carr." I followed this to the stream, no more signposting! I decided to follow the stream by turning left, on the southern side of the stream, using the track at the edge of the field. There appeared to be no path alongside the river bank . The O/S map does not make it too clear which side of the stream the footpath follows. On the map it runs through the middle of the stream.
Google map apperas to show the path on the northern side of the stream, must explore more. There is also a guide for this walk produced by the Broads Authority, must get a copy.
Eventually this took me to the road going into Stokesby but I had to cross a ditch to get out of the field. Others had clearly done the same before me! There was a clear path across the ditch and only a few brambles.
At the bridge it seemed there was a path the other side of the stream but all much overgrown.
Crossing the road I took the signed footpath alongside the stream at the southern side of the bridge.
The path soon became very very overgrown, but I do like a challenge. No brambles but if you are less than 5' tall you may struggle to see where you are going!! Eventually came out onto a concrete area with path ahead marked as closed due to river bank repairs. Turned left as directed along concrete path. At end this meets with a road and a turn right brings you back to Stokesby.
Enjoyed my lunch sitting on the wall by car park watching boats navigating the river Bure. Coffee in the pub, The Ferry Inn, an Adnams Pub, was good and served with a smile. The village shop is worth a  visit as it is crammed with lots of bits and pieces and also has a tea room.
A most enjoyable walk, something I have not done for too long.
Stuart

Google map link

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=stokesby&hl=en&ll=52.644287,1.593704&spn=0.019634,0.065875&sll=52.625561,1.321106&sspn=0.314274,1.054001&t=h&z=15