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…