Wandering West

With the weather forecast looking great, I threw some things in the van and we set off to try a new circular walk in the west of the county, alongside an old favourite. 

We drove out to the village of Ringstead, with its beautiful houses along the high street and set off in the hope of finding one of the many poppy fields that blanket this area in red. The walk started off on Peddar’s Way, where there was no shade and I started to think perhaps it was still too warm for Poppy to do it. We carried on, stopping regularly for water and over the 7 mile route only encountered one chap! He was in a UK Power Networks van, (who dad used to work for) and had been called out to look at a fault on the line. 

The poppies did not disappoint! At some points, the sea of red goes on and on. They were beautiful under a big, blue Norfolk sky.

Onto Holme to park up and wait for sunset, whilst listening to the oyster catchers screeching overhead. Again only a couple of fishermen on the beach and a family on the shore, paddling in the sea. A beautiful end to the day.

After finding a great park up spot for the night, where the stars were unbelievable on such a clear night and later the moon was so bright I woke at 3.30am thinking it was time to get up, it was onto the place that claims to have ‘the best coffee on the coast!’ Thornham Deli did not disappoint. In fact I could’ve ordered a second coffee and sat in the courtyard garden for the rest of the morning. However, the trainers went back on, along with the suncream and we set off on a route Dad and I always agreed was one of our favourites. 

From my free parking spot (I hate paying for car parks!) it was an 11 mile round trip, taking in Holkham estate, the church at Burnham Thorpe, Burnham Overy Staithe  and back along the expanse of Holkham beach, where the forest meets the sea. 

There is only one thing I dislike about this walk. A field of cows that you have to negotiate! Miraculously, they seem to have found a new address (hooray,) as the field has been left for quite some time by the looks of it to be reclaimed by nature. Instead of curious creatures which I dread coming across on trails, we were joined by the songs of reed bunting, sedge warbler and white throat as well as an abundance of ladybirds! 

After a stop at ‘The Hero’ pub for a cold drink and to let Poppy lay in the shade for a bit, we carried on towards Holkham beach, where we sat for an hour watching a group of horses being put through their paces. Maybe it was the Royal Horse Artillery? 

A reminder then of the beauty that lies not far from the doorstep and as well as enjoying things you know and love, it’s always good to try something new, discover an untrodden trail and see where it leads…

On the Edge

Surprising, laid-back, unknown. Three words to describe this short exploration of Armenia and Georgia, two countries positioned on the edge of Europe. 

Why surprising? Before I came I’m not sure I could’ve told you about either country’s cuisine, but it’s full of delicious (not particularly healthy) dishes and treats. Pastries freshly baked with walnuts, cheese filled bread called khachapuri, often fried and brushed with melted butter, potato filled dumplings, pancakes with homemade apricot jam and salty corn bread.

I was also surprised to learn that Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD and therefore there are many Christian monasteries and Orthodox churches to visit, some in the most picturesque settings. 

After the overwhelming constant bustle and noise of Egypt last month, these two countries felt relaxed. People were never rushing, drivers were polite (the use of the horn was non-existent compared to Egypt!) Both countries were so clean and green with tree-lined streets and avenues, city gardens tended to, capital cities which come to life in the evenings with people enjoying the cooler temperatures, sitting in the squares enjoying coffee or ice cream. People don’t start work until 10am and museums and attractions don’t open until 10am, so again a huge contrast to the 5am get-ups in Egypt. You found yourself simply slowing down, never in a rush and always time for coffee!

When I told some people where I was going, some were not too sure where Armenia or Georgia was. Their second question was ‘is it safe?’ My answer is that yes, it is safe. English is widely spoken so communication is easy, food is delicious and cheap and if you’re not sure about exploring unknown places it really can be very eye-opening. For me, seeing Georgia’s mountains makes me want to return. They are rugged, snow-capped and the mountain villages look like great places to stay. 

The guides I had during my time in both countries were passionate, had great knowledge of their history and tried to explain what life had been and was currently like living between Europe and Asia, ‘on the edge,’ transit countries. I hope for the people I met that their future is a bright one and they can continue to share their countries with visitors.