Old Trails and New

As the weather didn’t look too promising for fell walking up in the Lakes, we stayed local and headed to the west of Norfolk. Being the fifth largest county in England and having no motorways, it always seems ages to get from east to west! 

We started our few days away with my favourite Norfolk walk that starts in Holkham Country Park, takes you out through the Burnhams and back along the beach. Dad and I did this walk a few times a year, usually during Autumn and Winter when it was quieter and the paths were empty. For me it’s the perfect walk - coast and woodland, coffee at the start, a pub half way if needed and cake at the end! Poppy can be off a lead with the exception of inside Holkham park, so she enjoys it too.

Our other days took us to Snettisham, a place I have always wanted to visit for the geese or wader spectacles that happen there.  Dad and I always talked about going but the 3am wake up call meant we never did! We should have. Just walking round the reserve and seeing the sunset across the wash was dramatic enough. Imagine it with up to 40,000 geese! I must go back to see it. This time we enjoyed the sight of a tawny owl out hunting instead.

A loop from Ringstead up to the coast at Holme and Old Hunstanton, as well as another circular route from Castle Rising to Roydon Common completed our short adventure. A shout out to the Black Horse Inn in Castle Rising who let you park up for the night if you go in and eat or have a drink. Such lovely, welcoming people and super dog friendly!  

As always a certain person was missed. My favourite person to walk with, but a reminder to always seek new places to explore (even when they’re on your doorstep,) appreciate every sunset and that each adventure always starts with that first step.

Beautiful Bologna

Bologna was an unexpected treasure of a city. I originally booked a flight here so that I could visit San Marino, the fifth smallest country in the world. The day trip by train and bus did not disappoint. It was a picture perfect city and we had the perfect day to explore its towers, gardens, cafes and to soak in the incredible views. Oh, and as a side note for any teachers visiting, you get into the towers and museums free!

Back to Bologna though and in just a couple of days a friend and I had enough time to see the old city on a walking tour, climb the clock tower for views over the terracotta rooftops, walk the longest portico (the 4km portico of San Luca) and of course sample the best Italian cuisine. 

The temperature was perfect for exploring, so it made it a perfect early autumnal break! 

Fruit, flowers and fun in Faro

 It’s not often there’s a budget flight available from our local airport, but we were in luck at the beginning of September when flights to Faro popped up. So, I persuaded my sister to join me on a short adventure. 

We spent a long weekend exploring the old town, learning of its history including the influence the Romans and the Moors had on its layout. In the museum we saw an incredible Roman mosaic floor amongst other treasures. As Faro is part of the Algarve region, we headed out to explore part of the coast along ‘The Seven Hanging Valleys’ trail, with great views over the sea stacks and caves. It was a slightly overcast day, so the walking was much more comfortable than tackling this exposed coastline during the heat of the summer. 

Another trip took us out to see the flamingos and to visit a beautifully, colourful island of holiday homes, where the gardens were so well kept. With an unexpected farmer’s market, a music festival we stumbled across and great food we had a busy but relaxing time for my first visit to this part of Portugal. And the real treat at the end of it? Landing in the UK and being 40 mins from home. Perfect!