Bracon Ash and Mulbarton Walk

Our last day in Norfolk and the weather has turned.  To be more precise it is absolutely tipping it down. Nothing else to do but wait it out until things improve. By mid morning it has stopped and we venture out for a 'shortish' local walk. There is a footpath opposite Mergate Lane which has looked inviting from the word go. It goes through some woodland towards the nearby village of Mulbarton. There is a nice pond and trails through the trees. We cross the road following signs for Hethel Church. The name Hethel is associated with the Lotus car factory. All Saints Church is in a remote area close to woodland and a few houses. In the adjacent field is the Hethel Old Thorn, a hawthorn tree believed to be over 700 years old and therefore one of the oldest in the country.A war memorial in the churchyard commemorates the 389th Bombardment Group which was stationed at Hethel Aerodrome during the Second World War. 321 missions were completed with the loss of 116 aircraft.The churchyard is smothered in wildflowers in spring and early summer. 

The footpath we pick up runs parallel to the nearby solar farm. We follow it not entirely sure of where we will come out. A marker post tells us that we are on the Tas Valley Way. Starting in Norwich The Way goes through Intwood, Swardeston, Mulbarton and Hapton and then follows the course of the River Tas to the source near to New Buckenham.In total the route is 40.2 km and considered an easy hike. We emerge on a beautiful and quiet country lane. We then join another footpath that takes us through some farming country and horse fields. We arrive in Mulbarton and take the opportunity for some liquid refreshment at 'The Worlds End' Public House. Continuing the walk we cross the road to have a look at Mulbarton Church of St Mary Magdalene. Reminded me a bit of Moulton church with the drum kit set up inside. It has an impressive tower that can be seen from miles around. Built over 500 years ago it was used by the Ordnance Survey for surveying their maps. 

The clock in the tower is Mulbarton's World War 2 memorial, bought by public subscription.It was dedicated on October 8th, 1950. It is estimated there has been a church here for more than 900 years - at least since the reign of Edward the Confessor (1042-1066). Certainly a church is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The church overlooks the magnificent Common. over 45 acres of open land, mostly within a triangle of roads.We cut across the Common as we make our way back towards Bracon Ash. n earlier times, the Common must have been vital to the community: a place to graze the cattle and keep them from the surrounding open fields.There are at least 5 ponds on what is one of the biggest Commons in the country. 

Mulbarton Common

Leaving the greenery behind we make our way through the village along 'Long Lane'. We pass through a relatively new housing estate which looks very well maintained. Which is only in keeping with everything else in Mulbarton. I like it very much and have enjoyed our brief time there. We take the footpath off 'Long Lane' (to our right) and the rest of the walk is across wide open fields. Arriving back in Bracon Ash by another lovely pond.The familiar cry of the resident Peacocks tel us we have arrived back. 

A lovely little walk of around 6 miles.