Hickling Broad and Marshes

Potter Heigham Bridge

We are off to Hickling Broads, stopping off at Potter Heigham on the River Thurne on the way. A village noted for its medieval bridge dating from 1385. Allegedly the most difficult to navigate on the Broads. This was backed up too as we saw a small cruiser get its awning stuck under the bridge. he bridge opening is so narrow that only small cruisers can pass through it, and then only at low water. We walked along the 'Weavers Way' as far as the Tower Windmill. Built in 1849 it is now a domestic dwelling. 

Bird Hide

Hickling Broad is under the protection of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. A haven for many of the UK's rarest plants and animals. the largest individual Broad by surface area in the Norfolk Broads, covering approximately 600 hectares (1,500 acres). Home to Britain’s largest butterfly – the swallowtail – as well as birds such as bittern, common crane, and a wide variety of Fenland plants. With its wide open skies, reed beds, woodland and unspoilt landscape, it offers a perfect place for a walk any time of year. Having paid our fees we have a boat to catch to get up close with nature. There are plenty of 'Norfolk Hawker' Dragonflies checking out the boat. We might get to see Britain's largest Butterfly the 'Swallowtail'. We might see birds such as, Bitterns,common Cranes and Marsh Harriers. A pair of Shelducks fly past and a Hobby is on the wing taking down insects. The navigation channel is only 1.5 m deep, with much of the broad being shallower. Nearby sea levels and storms play a major part in the water levels. 

Hickling Broad was used as reserve station for sea planes by the Royal Naval Air Service in the period 1916–1918.But was only used for two emergency landings.We make our way across the water to a viewing platform, or tower offering great views. It stands at 60ft (11m) and provides a viewpoint across the area's waterways and trees towards the coast.  

Looking to the left it is possible to see the top of the Lighthouse at Happisburgh. Straight ahead beyond the trees would be Winterton on Sea. 

As we return on the boat to our starting point, there are clouds of black smoke in the distance. It is further afield than the Broads but someone has reported that it might be the viewing tower. Our guide is quick to radio back that we have just left that area and all is well. I have the tune 'Smoke on the Water' by 'Deep Purple' running through my head. It has been a good trip , lasted about an hour and a good way to see the expanse of water. After disembarking we continue our circuit on foot around the water. We do get our first view of Marsh Harriers as we pass Bygrave's Marsh    towards Brendan's Marsh. The Spinney nearby is said to be the best place to see the Swallowtail. Unfortunately on this occasion we were out of luck.

Brendan's Marsh

Instead of turning back towards the Visitor Centre we take the trail towards Stubb Mill. A good place to spot the elusive Adder basking in the sun.Not much sun today so somewhat unlikely. The best time is early Spring, after they emerge from hibernation  and they look for a warm sunny spot to raise their body temperature to become active. They are very sensitive to noise and vibration though , disappearing to cover at the slightest threat.   

Stubb Mill

 There are more Windmills in the Broads than anywhere else in the UK. By around 1800 there were 50 drainage mills on the Broads. By 1825 there were over 100. Just past the mill is a superb spot to watch Raptors roosting. The viewpoint is best visited in the winter months (Oct - Mar), when counts of both species using the site will be at their highest. On a winter's evening, the harrier roost may also be used by small numbers of Hen Harrier. Occasionally Merlin and Short Eared Owls can be seen along with regulars Barn Owl and Great Egret.Making our way back on the trail I spot a beautiful Hare in the field. I manage to get over the hedge and get reasonably close.   

Raptor Roosting site

Brown Hare

It has been a really lovely visit and a lot of wildlife has been seen. Just enough time left to pay a visit to the 'Pleasure Boat' PH for much needed refreshment. It is actually owned by the NWT. So each pint consumed is going towards helping nature.I'll drink to that !

Gorleston-on-Sea to Hopton-on-Sea Walk

A trip to the seaside and a new place for us on the Norfolk coast. Gorleston-on-Sea. colloquially known as Gorleston is close to Great Yarmouth to the south. The sun has disappeared and it has turned a bit muggy, very warm though. Parking close to the beach is at a premium so we park nearer to the docks area. It was a Port town at the time of the Domesday book in 1086. Historically a major centre for herring fishing and salt-pan production to preserve the fish. We pass the old Lighthouse setback from the quayside to our right. The lighthouse was built in 1887. and carries two lights.  The Lighthouse is now decommissioned of course.It did however feature in the 2019Danny Boyle film 'Yesterday'. We cut through the Pier past the Pier Hotel and the Band Stand to the Promenade. The is some action on the model boating lake The town's main attraction is its sandy Edwardian beach, featuring traditional seaside gardens. In 2023 TripAdvisor reviewers reviewers voted the beach the best in Britain and 12th best in Europe. 

The Model Boat Pond

The beach is sprawling with golden sand and curving shoreline.  It stretches for three miles and is far quieter than up the road at Great Yarmouth. Norfolk has around 50 beaches dotted around its coastline. 

Sea defences

Sand Martins are busy fetching food to the nests in the cliff side. We continue to Hopton-On-Sea further down the coast. We pop into the nearby holiday resort for a cooling beverage. We then make our way back on land through the Golf Course, then back on the promenade passing the brightly painted Beach Huts. 

Mergate Hall 'The Peach House' Norfolk visit

It's a sunny start to our visit to Norfolk. After a couple of false turns we arrive at our home for the next four nights 'Mergate Hall'. Or to be more specific 'The Peach House' the former Victorian Greenhouse, now converted into living accommodation.We have already been greeted by the house 'Peacocks upon arrival. We are located on the southern edge of Bracon Ash, about seven miles south of Norwich. The house is steeped in history dating from the 15th century. The house has been home to several significant historical figures. It is believed that Queen Elizabeth I may have stayed on her progress through Bracon Ash in 1578. In all that time the house has only had 5 owners (3 in the past 5 years). The house is now in the hands of the Chubb family.

The Peach House

The Peach House offers a unique space to relax, filled with interesting antiques and curiosities.there is much to take in. Quirky and unique it is a perfect place for wildlife spotting, along with the resident animals.  

 

1919 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost

There is a large reclaimed fish tank in the living area. As residents it was our duty to feed them 2 scoops of Fish Food daily. There is wonderful beautiful natural light and is surrounded with lots of green mature rooted plants growing around the inside perimeter of the main living space.'The Peach House' and nearby ;Hobbit House' were both 'Covid Lockdown' projects. Phillip Chubb is pictured above with his majestic Rolls Royce Silver Ghost. Something that he built himself from just the chassis. One of only 10 females worldwide who is licensed to fly Sea-Planes. He has also build an aircraft , flown regularly by his wife Rosita.  

Fruit and Vegetable Garden

The Peach House and the main garden are both East facing, allowing the space to perfectly capture the morning light and sun. There is over 14 acres of garden to explore containing many interesting species. These include around 200 named Rhododendrons and Azaleas. There are some interesting specimen trees too. One of which is a Canadian Weeping Larch, believed to be first planted in England in 1712.   

The Japanese Garden

Although it is close to Norwich the is complete privacy and surrounding countryside. There is even a 500 yard grass runway (pictured left) adjacent to the house. The Japanese Garden is another lockdown project. The Peacocks though are ever present there is even a white one. They can be noisy though, particularly in the early hours of the morning.Not helpful when trying to sleep....

Chief noise maker

A haven for wildlife there is an active Badger Sett in the woodland area.Sadly I didn't see a Badger despite looking as dusk fell. I did see a beautiful Roe Deer though on the edge of the runway. It seemed very inquisitive and despite noticing my presence didn't scamper away.   

1920's BSA Bicycle

There is so much storage around the property it sometimes feels like a reclamation site. There are multiple cars from all eras and even a Dutch Barge awaiting restoration. I loved the BSA cycle which is probably over a hundred years old. Mr Chubb was only too happy to let me take a spin on it.After some air was put in the tyres I managed a 4.5 mile circuit down to nearby Mulbarton and back. The bike had 3 gears, although I hardly got out of the lowest gear. The bike was incredibly heavy and hard work. I did manage to overtake another cyclist though. I averaged a speed of 10.5 mph with a total elevation of 972 feet. Good fun though nevertheless. 

It is an excellent place to stay and look forward to a return visit in the future.    

The John Bunyan Trail (17) Sundon Hills

 

The Car Park at Sundon Hills Country Park is our starting point today. It is National Trust owned and completely free! So, that's not a bad start to what promises to be a cracking walk. It is a site of Special Scientific Interest, made up of, Sharpenhoe Clappers, Moleskin and Markham Hills, Smithcombe Hills and Sundon Hills. Part of the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding National Beauty. Much of the site is unimproved chalk grassland with many plants which are now rare. We set off in perfect weather walking in an anti- clockwise direction. The Sheep are gathered in the shade close to the hedge-line.  

It is a beautiful setting, with stunning views away to our left. We take the sharp right path towards Holt Wood , moving on towards Fernhill Wood. Continuing to follow the Bunyan Trail. We cut across fields filled with wild flowers, Crimson Clover, Fairy flax and  Rockrose are plentiful. The beautiful yellow flowers , although sightly out of place make a stunning sight. We wind our way through Top Farm and link up with the Icknield Way footpath. We covered this part of the walk on our previous visit. We arrive back at the Sharpenhoe Clappers, this time from the reverse side as we walked before. It is clearer today so the views seem even better. The Beech Trees too look incredible in the sunlight. We continue through Smithcombe Hill and Smithcombe Valley. Hopefully you will get something of a flavour from the pictures posted below. 

 

Beech Trees

On the way we encounter a memorial by W A Robertson, (Not to be confused with B A Robertson.....) who gave this area to the National Trust in memory of his brothers who died in the Great War. Money was used to buy Sutton House and eight areas of countryside within reach of London. William stated that at each site a memorial must be erected, specified as to size and form, giving its location and details of his brothers.

There is no doubt that Sharpenhoe Clappers is a fantastic area of ancient woodland. We make the sharp descent down the steps back to the Barton Road. It is only a short stroll before we are in the lush green Moleskin and Markham Hills area of the walk. Once again owned by the National Trust, a wildlife rich chalk grassland area. More Beech woodland and meadows managed as a nature reserve. We are making the loop back towards the Sundon Hills. Once again the views are superb as we look across the countryside. Chalk grassland is internationally rare, and the Chilterns holds an important concentration of this habitat. Over the course of the 20th century, the Chilterns lost 54% of its chalk grassland. Much of what remains is confined to the steep escarpment slopes that have escaped arable cultivation and development pressure.

 

Facing the Moleskins

The now disused chalk quarry established to provide chalk and marl for the Sundon cement works, which operated between 1899 and 1976. A great place for insects, which includes 16 species of Dragonfly. There are also 21 species of Butterfly listed. These include the rare Adonis Blue. The quarry is home to several uncommon beetles, such as Apion astragali. The young (larvae) of this beetle only eat the wild liquorice plant, which is also a rare plant in Britain. We cut across the hills back towards the car park n the walk completed. In total 7.64 miles completed. Just 2 more legs of the Bunyan Trail left to complete.