Friday 13 February 2009

New Woodland Walks around Burlingham

Still on my own, but with improved weather last Sunday, I decided to walk some of the paths around Burlingham detailed in a new guide I found in Acle Post Office.

A lovely sunny day, although still bitterly cold, saw me set off on a circular walk to South Walsham from Acle, up Mill Lane (the off road section of which is in a shocking state - notwithstanding the mud, which can't be helped at this time of year, the landowner has dumped a load of hardcore including broken paving slabs, making the surface very uneven and not suitable at all for anyone unsteady on their feet).

I think these new paths are a great idea though, providing a different route to South Walsham and Burlingham, away from the river and/or the main roads, and they are signposted well - to start with. I had a few issues with the signs further on, but I did manage to find my way to South Walsham without too many problems.


Snowdrops in Burlingham Long Plantation

Into the Ship Inn for a quick pint of Tipple's Topper (not bad - a little lifeless). This pub has fairly recently re-opened and is now pretty much set up as a restaurant, with every table set for eating and the food a little on the pricy side. BUT, at least it's open and serving real ale - so no complaints.

As they had stopped actually serving food, I wandered round the corner to Fairhaven Gardens, for a bite in their cafe/tearoom. I hadn't been in since the new
building had gone up, and I think that while it isn't the most attractive from the outside, it is warm and welcoming inside, with a good range of light meals and snacks, especially for veggies such as me.

Walked back to Acle on the footpaths via Upton and Fishley church as the weather turned, but an enjoyable 8 miles, and was good to see Louise again at Fairhaven.

Monday 9 February 2009

All for one.......and one left all on his own

With John and Lee away skiing, Chris has been the sole Broadsketeer out and about in the Broads this week..........

The main theme over the past week has been my other main hobby (although some people would probably call it almost a way of life for me now) of running. Last Sunday saw me, along with 230 other certifiable individuals, competing in the Reedham 10. This new ten mile race, based around the Broads riverside village of Reedham, meanders its course around Limpenhoe Marshes, Freethorpe and Wickhampton, before returning to Reedham. A bitter east wind and snow showers sent most of us rushing to add extra layers before frantically trying to complete the race without any bits freezing and falling off. I did manage a personal best time, even if that still meant me finishing well down the field, but it's the taking part that counts (isn't it?)

Celebrated with a post-run lunch at the Reedham Ferry Inn. Hadn't been there for a while, and on such a cold day, the roaring log fire went down a treat. Received a very warm and friendly welcome, good service and excellent food. The staff hadn't noticed that the Woodforde's Wherry was slightly sour and on the way out, but the Nelson's Revenge was great.

Tuesday saw Clippesby Hall (the campsite in the Broads where the Broadsketeers have their secret base) awarded best campsite in Britain by the AA, and a photographer from the local paper, the Eastern Daily Press, came along for some publicity shots. Taken just as the sun was starting to go down, we were interrupted by a large flock of geese flying over, probably on their way to Halvergate marshes. This has to be one of the most impressive sights in the Broads at this time of year, as they came over in their V formations, almost filling the sky.

There was a particularly lovely sunset that evening, and I managed a late run just before it got dark and despite the cold, the view down over the broad valley to the river Bure with the sun dipping down behind was magical.

Friday 30 January 2009

Who are the Three Broadsketeers?


John, Lee and Chris are dedicated explorers of the Broads National Park located in Norfolk, England, and this is the story of our travels. We walk, bike and canoe our way around one of the most beautiful areas of Britain, a magical wetland with loads of hidden places waiting to be discovered.

We are passionate about gaining public access to as much of the land and waterways as possible in the peaceful pursuit of our aim - to Discover the Broads.

Join in with our adventures....more soon!