Norfolk - Burnham Deepdale & Brancaster Staithe Walk

Great to be back in Norfolk again, albeit a short weekend break. A new area to explore today after the old favourite of Wells Next the Sea yesterday. The guidebook promises a delightful contrast between coast and sea. 

The walk starts off from Burnham Deepdale Church. The little Church of St Marys has three claims to fame. The Saxon Round Tower, The Norman font and the medieval glass. The tower dates back some 950 years. The church sits on the busy Wells to Hunstanton Road. We pop over the road to the garage which is a also a shop for a few supplies. During which time I manage to lose the guidebook and have a painful collision with a large bollard in the most sensitive of areas. I don't mean the garage forecourt either...Aloud expletive rang out.. Once composed we set off at the junction down a long 'metalled lane' whatever that is? But that's what it said in the book that I am now re-united with after returning back to the garage. Its not been the best of starts. 

St Marys Church Burnham Deepdale

After some extensive research (Google) I have found out what a 'metalled lane' is! 'Those constructed with cement, concrete or bitumen of coal'. They are also known as 'all weather roads. 'Unmetalled' roads are made up of soil. I think that is enough for the time being.    

We are in the heart of 'Nelson Country' with plenty of references to our most famous Seaman 'Horatio Nelson'. Born in Burnham Thorpe in 1758. His naval career began on 1 January 1771. Nearby pubs include; 'The Trafalgar', 'The Nelson', 'The Victory' and 'The Hero'. 

A 'Metalled' Road'

It is said that there were once seven Burnham villages, only five properly survive. (Deepdale, Norton, Market, Overy and Thorpe). We follow the road to Barrow Common, thick with bracken and gorse bushes. Plenty of wild meadow flowers too.

We actually went a bit wrong, and stayed on the road missing the footpath. After a bit of back tracking we got to the right point on the Common.From our elevated position we got a glimpse of the sea in the distance. 

The walking is downhill now back to the main coastal road again. To our right is the site of the old Roman Fort 'Branodunum'.(Fort of the Raven) . Nothing to see there nowadays though sadly. The closet we got were an street of houses that had been named 'Brandodunum'.

 We are now walking along the narrow streets of Brancaster, gently winding our way down towards the coastal marshes.

Yellow Toadflax

Harebell

After a few spots of rain, the sun has now come out and it is rather warm. We have reach the Coast Path Boardwalk which will take us back to Brancaster Staithe. We cant actually see the sea from the Boardwalk which is beyond the reed beds and marshes in the distance.There is still quite a busy fishing community in Brancaster Staithe'. One or two old abandoned boats too which always make a good photograph. We are now on part of the The Peddars Way, and Norfolk Coast Path. One of England’s most gentle National Trails. The Peddars Way meets the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea as it runs from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea. The Trail provides 129.5 miles (208 Km) of walking. Talking of which we have covered some 6.5 miles today. Over a mile more than planned due to missing the footpath earlier. It has been enjoyable though and not too strenuous. Our next port of call is a drive along the coast to Burton Overy Staithe.

Burton Overy Staithe is very reminiscent of Blakeney. The beach at BOS is said to be stunning. But it is about a mile walk over the dunes to get to and best saved for another day. If you are looking for seclusion as we often are then it is the place to go.

Burnham Overy Staithe