Norwich River Wensum 220112

A walk today following the river Wensum through this lovely city of Norwich. Starting from the Compleat Angler walk through their patio to steps taking you to the riverside walk. Anglers competing in a match on the bank opposite with huge fibre glass poles. Will the fish win?


 The path then takes you to Pulls Ferry, once the gateway for building materials for Norwich Cathedral including its wonderful stone. Further on a view across the playing fields of Norwich School with the cathedral behind. A quintessentially English view! I love it. Then on past Cow Tower to the new footbridge arcing across the Wensum form St James Place where the new Broads Authority building stands which is now linked to the Adam and Eve car park. How thoughtful of the planners to provide  a bridge so that Broads authority staff can easily pop over to the Adam  & Eve pub for a pint.
Cross Whitefriars bridge to walk along Quay Side with street furniture looking like old shipping crates that help to give the atmosphere of how this part of the city used to be. Cross over one of the the oldest bridges, Fye Bridge by the Ribs of Beef to walk to the Art College and one of my favourite cafes in Norwich where I am always served with a  smile and I can sit by the window, read a paper and watch the world go by. Bliss!

Norwich River Wensum 220112

A walk today along the river Wensum as it winds through the wonderful city of Norwich. Started at the Compleat Angler where you can walk through their outside area and down to the riverside path. On the opposite bank a fishing match in progress with some anglers using poles nearly able to touch the bank on my side. Will the fish out think them and win??
On to Pulls Ferry where building materials for the Cathedral were brought by water including all those blocks of stone. During building this spot must have been  a hive of activity but now peaceful and tranquil. On your left you pass the playing fields of Norwich School with the cathedral as a backdrop. How quintessentially English this scene is, I value it greatly.
Past Bishop Bridge, past Cow Tower and the newly built bridge linking St James Palace where the Broads authority are now based and The Adm & Eve car park. How thoughtful of the planners to provide such an easy route for te Broads Authority staff to get to the Adam & Eve pub!
The bridge is an arc across the river with exposed rusted steel. It looks good.
Continue on to Whitefriars Bridge which takes you onto Quayside. Here street furniture made to look like ships cargo helps give an atmosphere of how life used to be here with ships loading and unloading. Further along is one of the oldest bridges in Norwich, Fye Bridge by the Ribs of Beef. Walking on from here takes you through an arch to the Art College. Here you can turn right to cross Balckfriars bridge or join me in  one of my favourite cafes next to st Andrews Hall. Sit by the window reading a paper, enjoying good coffee and watching the world go by. Sheer bliss! Cheers!
Stuart

Coltishall 5 Miles-291211-2Hours 10 Mins

 Coltishall. Map Reference OL40 268205
  Today a walk along the Bure Valley Railway path and return beside the river Bure. Parked at Coltishall "station" car park. Only 4 spaces here that you can park in. The "NO Parking" signs everywhere refer to the part as you drive in. But to your left when looking at the track you will see a "Bure Valley Walk Car Park" official notice. Alternatively there are several other places to park in Coltishall.
  Walked West following the track. Navigation is very straight forward on this walk! The track follows beside the Bure Valley Railway which runs Nine miles from Aylsham to Wroxham and can be used by both walkers and cyclists.
  The walk takes you deep into the countryside  with  views across fields and past a rather austere Little Hautbois Hall which appears to be only accessible by a tiny track which has its own railway crossing.
  Approaching Buxton at a bridge there are steps taking you down to the river where you can walk under the bridge and walk back to Coltishall beside the river Bure. When you cross a small lane with a bridge the footpath continues on the other side of the river (Northern Side). Follow this Eastwards to return to Coltishall near to "Coltishall Island" petrol station and shop.
An enjoyable walk and the River Bure is lovely.

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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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

Burgh Castle- Breydon Water- Gt Yarmouth 290710 Ref Tg481051

Today a wonderful experience a wonderful walk.

My thanks and acknowledgement to Norfolk County Council for their "Norfolk Health and Biodiversity Walks. Walks in and around Great Yarmouth." A great little publication which with it's bus information lead me to this walk today.

Breydon Water has been a special, almost magical place for me in my 36 years in Norfolk. A little mysterious, looking fabulous in sunset, totally tidal so changing throughout the day. My dream house would have a view overlooking Breydon water.
But to the start. Long term parking just off Northgate Street at £3.50 for over 4 hours and then a 10 minute walk to the Market Gates Bus Station. A number 5 bus for £2.20 took me to the Queens Head at Burgh Castle. I felt I had been dropped off in some strange land, strange because I had never been near this part of Norfolk ever.
Turning back up the road with the pub on my right I walked to the church, a gem in its own right. From here the Roman Fort is clearly signposted across fields. You will not be disappointed by the massive walls and the view the marshes of the Rivers Yare and Waveney. Opposite is the Berney Arms Pub with the towering and dominating black "Berney Arms Drainage Mill" that you can see for miles as you walk in this special river and marsh world.
From the fort step down towards the water and take a path to your right 50 yards form the water. This will soon lead you to another path marked the "Angles Way" back towards the waters edge from here you can walk all the way into Great Yarmouth beside the water. The path is in excellent condition and much more enjoyable that the northern side of Breydon Water which is made up of large bricks with holes in. Demanding on my feet!
The views today included dramatic skies over this big stretch of water, lush green marshland, horses, cows and a family of Mum and Dada Swan with at least 6 cygnets.

Coltishal -Health Walk-260610-3 Miles

A health walk today starting from the Coltishall village hall car park in Rectory Road. Turn right out of the car park and then a left through Coltishall until turning left into a wide path, past a converted chapel, looked good, and onto a path overhung by trees. joining a road we eventually climbed a good few steps to take us onto the track of the Bure Valley Railway.

 This takes you under two beautiful red brick bridges and eventually to Coltishall Station where the stations buildings are now a Bed and Breakfast. Leave the railway here and a right turn at the end of the drive takes you back along the road to the Coltishall Island and the bridge. Cross a busy road and enjoy a wonderful walk along the gently flowing river. You can cross over the river by the sluice and return through a woodland path to the Coltishall Island and back to Rectory lane.

A very lovely walk and my thanks to Ray our leader today and very genial host!

North Walsham Canal 100610 TG346272 -3.5 Miles

Credit for this walk is to the Jarrolds Short walks series-Norfolk into Suffolk:the coastal fringe
This rates as one of my favourite walks. Number 10 in the guide and I do not think I would have found it without the guides help!
I do recommend boots or stout shoes and a walking stick for help over the sections of boggy path. I always wear ankle gaiters when walking and in the wet grass of the meadows these really proved themselves.
Your first challenge is to find the car park which is near East Ruston just past Barnells farm. Coming from Norwich you have to go roundabout a bit due to not many roads and waterways. See map reference.

From the car park a very short path,6' takes you onto the Weavers Way, a former railway line. Turn right and then at the gate by a cottage turn sharp left. Follow this track through a gate into a field. On the day I walked there were cows but fortunately on the far side and no hindrance to me. At a second gate continue along the side of the field. At the end of this field is a stump where a gate used to be. take a  diagonal path across the filed to a style which puts you at the edge of the canal and you can see "Tonnage Bridge" ahead of you.
      At the bridge, pause and enjoy the view of the canal if you are tall enough to peek over the wall! The bridge was restored in the 80's. The question I ask is why was such a substantial bridge put there in the first place? Perhaps the horses pulling the barges crossed the river here.
Walk over the bridge and immediately turn right through a gate to follow the canal northwards. Then enjoy a walk of open fields as you follow alongside the canal. Parts of the path are only inches above the water level making the path very soft in parts and highlighting how fragile parts of this land are. You will come to a copse of Alder trees on your way.
A plank bridge leads into a wood. On the day of my walk all the wild Iris were in bloom so I was greeted with a wonderful yellow display.
Soon you will hear the sound of rushing water. Is this a waterfall in Norfolk you may ask? Well its the best equivalent as you are approaching the lock at Honing. The gates are long gone but there are still heavy pieces of steel and some great brickwork viewed as the water rushes down and then becomes still once more a few yards along the canal.
Cross the bridge at the lock, through some trees and you come to the Weavers Way once more. Turn right, eastwards for a one mile walk back to the car park.
Have you enjoyed this walk? I would love to hear your comments!
See also The North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust
Stuart

Addendum-My lovely special friend- Liz

On the day of this walk I went to Gorleston later on to taxi my very dear friend Liz back to Beccles from the James Padget Hospital. Liz had just had a session of Chemotherapy at the hospital. On the way back we had such a laugh together and she treated me to a cup of tea at her new house. Liz was always so bubbly and chatty, she made the most of every single moment.  Sadly a few days later, Liz had a massive stroke and died shortly after. I will miss her so much but am so grateful that on the day I enjoyed the North Walsham Canal I also enjoyed that precious time with Liz.
 Live your life, live your day, God bless you Liz xx

Norwich, Mousehold Heath, The Wensum, Rosary Cemetry, Lion Wood 040510

4.5 Miles Map Ref 243094
A circular walk in Norwich starting from Brittania Barracks on the North East side of Norwich with a fabulous vantage point to overlook this "Fine City." From here you see two Cathedrals, the "Roman" columns of City Hall, the City Hall Clock Tower, the Jarrolds printing works the whole panorama of this fine city.
This walk is taken from "Walks Around Norwich" by the Ramblers Association Norfolk and my grateful thanks to them. Ramblers publications seem always to be very reliable in describing their walk routes and they choose some excellent walks too. So look out for their little booklets and buy when you can!

The walk takes me through the trees of Mousehold Heath, I can still hear traffic in the distance as I am so close to some major roads but I am delighted to once again be surrounded with bird song celebrating this lovely day.
Following around Mousehold I am then directed to several paths, lanes and streets to bring me to Riverside road and the path along the river. The quintessential Norwich School playing fields with today a helicopter! I hear the Queen is in the City so perhaps its the Royal Flight! Bishops Bridge which was once the heavily guarded gateway to Norwich, Pulls Ferry and the lovely waters of the river Wensum.

 From here I am directed up Aspland Road to Rosary road and then past the Chalkhill Brewery to Rosary Cemetery on the other side of the road. . You would not know without visiting that this large cemetery exists in such a built up area. It rambles over hillocks and troughs with many many trees. Most of the gravestones are weathered and green but interspersed are some very new, clean and bright ones. Some lean over at odd angles, some graves are slowly reverting to the earth. This is not to me a sign of neglect but a very powerful way of showing the passage of time and our own brief time on this precious earth.
I go through this extensive cemetery and cross a road to Lion Wood. Here I missed my directions and bore to my right too much to end  up on the Yarmouth Road. I then had the "delight" of walking up the very steep Harvey Lane to get back to where I should be. Legs aching now! From there I return to that viewpoint of Britannia Barracks.
But despite this a very good day exploring parts of Norwich I had not seen before.
My last picture is taken as I enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafes by the market. Norwich is so colourful!
Stuart

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