Sunday, April 10, 2011
Monday, April 04, 2011
What, No Whinging?
Yes indeed. It’s about time to post a blog without moaning about something. I cannot guarantee that a mini-whinge won’t slip in, but I shall try my best.
As you’re probably aware, I do like my walks. The first proper one of the year was last Sunday when I did a 6 miler. The usual route from home, down to Denver Sluice and along the river bank to the bottom of town before returning home.
Yesterday saw another regular one, but with somewhat better scenery. It’s this walk starting at Brancaster Staithes...
CLICK ME for live link
I was sort of in two minds which one to do, but the weather looked very good so a coastal walk was in order. I grab all the gear together and head off. About an hour’s drive, avoiding all the crowds heading to the coast taking their mothers out for lunch.
The usual place to park was a pub very near to the start point. Sometimes, I do feel guilty about parking in pub carparks when I do these walks. Often, I'll get back and head off rather than take advantage of the hospitality. Here wasn't the case though. I've eaten there three times in the past and had drinks too, so plenty of my cash has passed over the bar.
Off we go then. Cross the road and get onto the coastal path. First opportunity for a photo...
This is a lovely row of cottages just next to the slipway at the... well, it's more of base for the smaller fishing vessels. SMall creeks and the like.
It's not long before we leave this place behind though and get onto the main path that runs parallel to the road albeit towards the sea.
It's a pretty well walked path, but the sea can come right in to partially flood the area. To overcome this obstacle, there are built up walkways for some of it...
Jack was really loving it though. Happy to be off the lead and running free. Diving up on the path then down again into the mud.
Met a few people along here. Mostly couples out for a gentle stroll. Had to check myself a couple of times as found myself marching along at a hell of a pace.
There are some lovely houses along this stretch. You can't really see them from the road, but they look quite something from the coast side - probably quite expensive too, no doubt!
After a mile, it's a cut through a field (ancient burial ground or something like that), then cut up a small lane. Any excuse to take a photo, but this did amuse me...
Why the speed restriction? Can you imagine anyone attempting to get to thirty along this lane? I'm about halfway up it, and then it's a sharp lefthander, so absolutely no distance to get the speed up even if the road were good enough.
So, along the A149 for a bit and then cut up a path and start climbing a little. Okay, so Norfolk is relatively flat. There are hills though, and whilst not exactly mountains, they are enough to stretch the calfs a little.
Once at the top, it's a cut through some small woods. This is what I like about this walk; everything is different as you go round. Start off on the coastal path with all the smells of the sea, then take on a few hills, then woods, then moorland. Anyway, this little thing took my eye. I suspect that it's something to do with orienteering or somesuch, but quite pretty though.
The woods don't last long, then it's through some moorland to a minor road. Pause for a photo... (or should that be paws for a photo?).
This is where we exit the moorland. Now it's roads for a couple of mile. Nice fields either side, and I have seen plenty of wildlife around. Deer, rabbits & hares etc.
After a couple of miles (point mark 5 on the map), we start dropping downhill again and then join a (slightly) busier road down towards Burnham Deepdale. Quite small village dominated a row of shops surrounding a petrol station. Here we cut through a footpath and then join the coastal path again (point 6). Here, again, are some lovely house, one of which I captured for your delectation...
On the final stretch now. More people along the coastal path too. A few comments about Jack, as usual. After the final half mile or so, we arrive back at the boatyard type area. Gratuitous "arty" shot of some lobster pots...
And finally a quick panorama to show off that you don't need a tripod and a super-wideangle lens, just a decent copy of Photoshop.
Roll on next Sunday.
As you’re probably aware, I do like my walks. The first proper one of the year was last Sunday when I did a 6 miler. The usual route from home, down to Denver Sluice and along the river bank to the bottom of town before returning home.
Yesterday saw another regular one, but with somewhat better scenery. It’s this walk starting at Brancaster Staithes...
CLICK ME for live link
I was sort of in two minds which one to do, but the weather looked very good so a coastal walk was in order. I grab all the gear together and head off. About an hour’s drive, avoiding all the crowds heading to the coast taking their mothers out for lunch.
The usual place to park was a pub very near to the start point. Sometimes, I do feel guilty about parking in pub carparks when I do these walks. Often, I'll get back and head off rather than take advantage of the hospitality. Here wasn't the case though. I've eaten there three times in the past and had drinks too, so plenty of my cash has passed over the bar.
Off we go then. Cross the road and get onto the coastal path. First opportunity for a photo...
This is a lovely row of cottages just next to the slipway at the... well, it's more of base for the smaller fishing vessels. SMall creeks and the like.
It's not long before we leave this place behind though and get onto the main path that runs parallel to the road albeit towards the sea.
It's a pretty well walked path, but the sea can come right in to partially flood the area. To overcome this obstacle, there are built up walkways for some of it...
Jack was really loving it though. Happy to be off the lead and running free. Diving up on the path then down again into the mud.
Met a few people along here. Mostly couples out for a gentle stroll. Had to check myself a couple of times as found myself marching along at a hell of a pace.
There are some lovely houses along this stretch. You can't really see them from the road, but they look quite something from the coast side - probably quite expensive too, no doubt!
After a mile, it's a cut through a field (ancient burial ground or something like that), then cut up a small lane. Any excuse to take a photo, but this did amuse me...
Why the speed restriction? Can you imagine anyone attempting to get to thirty along this lane? I'm about halfway up it, and then it's a sharp lefthander, so absolutely no distance to get the speed up even if the road were good enough.
So, along the A149 for a bit and then cut up a path and start climbing a little. Okay, so Norfolk is relatively flat. There are hills though, and whilst not exactly mountains, they are enough to stretch the calfs a little.
Once at the top, it's a cut through some small woods. This is what I like about this walk; everything is different as you go round. Start off on the coastal path with all the smells of the sea, then take on a few hills, then woods, then moorland. Anyway, this little thing took my eye. I suspect that it's something to do with orienteering or somesuch, but quite pretty though.
The woods don't last long, then it's through some moorland to a minor road. Pause for a photo... (or should that be paws for a photo?).
This is where we exit the moorland. Now it's roads for a couple of mile. Nice fields either side, and I have seen plenty of wildlife around. Deer, rabbits & hares etc.
After a couple of miles (point mark 5 on the map), we start dropping downhill again and then join a (slightly) busier road down towards Burnham Deepdale. Quite small village dominated a row of shops surrounding a petrol station. Here we cut through a footpath and then join the coastal path again (point 6). Here, again, are some lovely house, one of which I captured for your delectation...
On the final stretch now. More people along the coastal path too. A few comments about Jack, as usual. After the final half mile or so, we arrive back at the boatyard type area. Gratuitous "arty" shot of some lobster pots...
And finally a quick panorama to show off that you don't need a tripod and a super-wideangle lens, just a decent copy of Photoshop.
Roll on next Sunday.
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