Norfolk Day 4

 

This was the hotel we stayed in last night. It was very comfortable with good food. It rained heavily all night and was still showery this morning so we are all kitted out in our waterproofs. Today should have been a ten mile walk to Wolverton but last night P had to confess that he had made another error and miscalculated by 5 miles! He was almost murdered on the spot. He was very apologetic and even gave T and myself the last of his chocolate buttons but there was no getting away from the fact that today was going to be difficult. 

Everywhere was waterlogged.

Giant puddles stretching from one side of the road to the other.

The rain started as soon as we left the village.

It wasn't too heavy but it did nothing to lift our spirits.

I think Norfolk  has got more medieval churches than anywhere else in the world.

We also saw a number of disused mills today. Some of which were being converted into homes or more likely holiday homes.

Finally we were back on the Weaver's Way again. We always have to leave the trail to get to and from our accommodation. But today we are following the trail for just a few miles as we will then be making our way towards the coast. Tomorrow, we will be following a different long distance trail, the North Norfolk coastal path.

I had to admire the ploughing skills of this farmer.

Although the sun is trying to break out from the clouds. The sky was looking ominous.

This is the bus shelter in Hinkling. A great place to sit and browse through the books whilst waiting for a bus.

The village pond at Hinkling.

Some of the thatched cottages have the 'chocolate box' look about them. Not sure you could still call this a cottage looking at the size of it.

This is where we said goodbye to the Weaver's Way.  We all thought it a very pleasant and well signed route to follow.

Now we would be just following the Ordnance survey map until tomorrow when hopefully we will meet up with the coastal path.

We usually took it in turns to lead and try and maintain a decent pace. I like to stay mainly at the back as I am always stopping to take photos.

We are now in Potter Heigham.This was the old village school but has been converted into housing.

Above this photographer's studio is the old railway station sign for Potter Heigham.

We were all foot sore and weary by the time we got to the River Thurne. Thankfully there was a cafe here. Perfect timing for toilets as well as a cream tea. 

This is a popular place for the boaters to stop.

This is one of the oldest bridges on the Norfolk Broads. It was built in 1385 and is classed as an ancient monument. It has the lowest clearance of all the bridges. It is currently closed to traffic whilst repairs are being carried out. So we were a bit concerned that we might not be able to cross but it was open to pedestrians. There is some debate that perhaps it should be closed permanently to traffic and just be a pedestrian bridge. After all it is over 600 years old! There is another bridge about 100m away which takes traffic over the river.

Now we have a long walk following the course of the River.

This is the other bridge over the river.

All along this part of the river were holiday homes.

We had one hail storm during this section of the walk but then the showers stopped and we were able to dry out.

With all the rain the pumping station was busy.

This old mill was in the process of being converted.

We were making good time but my feet were protesting at the extra miles today.

The ducks were our only companions on such a wet day.

On and on the path went.

A dredger cleaning the river. I was very tempted to ask for a lift but sadly it was going in the wrong direction.

At last the next village of East Somerton came into view. This is where we would be leaving the river.

Many more puddles to negotiate.

We walked through the Burnley Hall Estate.

This is the 14th and 15th century chuch at Winterton on sea. It's tower is 132ft high and one of the tallest in Norfolk. We were all delighted to see it as this is the village where we would be spending the night.

Hoorah we made it. My legs are aching and my feet are throbbing and I think I've got blisters on my blisters but we're here!