Margaret and I had volunteered to take part in a two mile walk, visiting the woods, parks and seashore of Gunton in Suffolk, which is about one and a half hours drive, from where we live in Norfolk.
We assembled outside Gunton Hall. About twenty people, mostly on the mature side of fifty years old, and our erstwhile, knowledgeable leader and guide Michael. The rain was falling lightly, washing away the final traces of the snow that we have been experiencing in this part of the world recently.
Michael gave us an illuminating, fact filled talk on the structure and history of Gunton Hall, then we cheerfully set off on our two mile wintry walk. Our first stop was the lake, which was partially frozen over and looked pretty bleak, there were several Mallard ducks skating on, and enjoying the frozen parts of the surface,
We assembled outside Gunton Hall. About twenty people, mostly on the mature side of fifty years old, and our erstwhile, knowledgeable leader and guide Michael. The rain was falling lightly, washing away the final traces of the snow that we have been experiencing in this part of the world recently.
Michael gave us an illuminating, fact filled talk on the structure and history of Gunton Hall, then we cheerfully set off on our two mile wintry walk. Our first stop was the lake, which was partially frozen over and looked pretty bleak, there were several Mallard ducks skating on, and enjoying the frozen parts of the surface,
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The bird life around here is prolific, and we encountered many types of ducks and common woodland birds. We wandered along a quite muddy trail through Gunton woods, observing the trees and learning much from Michael about the make up and history of these woods. The wonderful variety of woodland trees on display, and the incredible amount of uses that the woodland is put to by the local community, not least as a communal resource for local schools and general entertainment.
We then arrived at Gunton church, which is an eighteenth century, round towered church, these round towered churches are quite common along the Eastern coastline. We visited the interior of this thriving village church, before setting off on our walk again.
We then arrived at Gunton church, which is an eighteenth century, round towered church, these round towered churches are quite common along the Eastern coastline. We visited the interior of this thriving village church, before setting off on our walk again.
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We then took to the road and walked for quite a distance to the coastline, past fields and common land covered in bracken in it's brown Winter foliage. The rocky coastline is bleak, with the relentless waves rolling in covering the man made breakwaters. Coastal erosion is a major problem along this coastline and Michael was able to illuminate our walk with many interesting facts about past houses that are now under water.
From the seashore we made our way along the country lanes back to base, tired but cheerfully seeking a welcome cup of tea and a comfortable sit down. A walk to remember! 〤◕‿◕〤
From the seashore we made our way along the country lanes back to base, tired but cheerfully seeking a welcome cup of tea and a comfortable sit down. A walk to remember! 〤◕‿◕〤
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