An epic 7 hours trip brought us to Suffolk, a County we have never visited. Our first four night stay was at Applefields Campsite in Leiston. £25 a night on a huge quiet site. Sunshine all day.
Our first afternoon, we drove short distance to Sizewell Beach and walked along the coast seeing Sizewell 1 and 2 nuclear power stations.
On Tuesday we drove 10 minutes to RSPB Minsmere and had a lovely day walking round the vast area of wetlands near the edge of the sea with many hides to observe the birds. Weather was warm and windy. On our way back we called off to look at Leiston Abbey ruins.
Wednesday, we drove 10 minutes to Aldeburgh and did a lovely loop walk along the beach to Thorpeness and back via the old railway line and North Warren nature reserve. Lots of interesting things to see, the Scallop sculpture on the beach, House in the Clouds and The Mill, the Meare, Martello Tower and an outdoor gym! A good days walk!
Thursday, drove few miles to Snape Maltings, nestled beside the River Alde, formerly one of the largest working maltings, barley was processed here for the brewing industry, now an upmarket shopping experience ( bit too posh for us) but we had a look after doing our walk around the Alde estuary, Tunstall forest and lots of pig farms. Had a bit of a tumble at beginning of walk, tripped over a loose bit of wire on a boardwalk and went my length. Grazed arm, sore thigh and knee but no bones broken, my caring husband said well its because you're so fit!
We drove on to Orford after walk and found a lovely tea room overlooking River Alde and Orford Ness. Quick look at Orford Castle to end another lovely day!
BIG PIGS AND PIGLETS
Friday we moved into Norfolk to stay at The Grange Caravan park in Caister on Sea. Had a walk to the beach, sand dunes and a sandy beach instead of the stones of Suffolk. A huge wind farm out at sea on a sandbank.
Saturday we drove to NWT Hickling Broad and spent the day in the most peaceful place, walking to the hides and had an hour boat ride on the Broad which was superb. The guide was a mine of information, we had a walk up a secret 65ft canopy tower, as birds go, saw hundreds of mute swans, one marsh harrier, lots of ducks and waders and a great crested grebe. Just before we left a flock of about 20 common cranes flew over! Super day!
Sunday we drove to the National Trust place at Horsey Windpump and had a great visit seeing inside the windpump (thank you Hanna for free voucher) then a 5 mile loop walk from there to the beach where there were hundreds of Atlantic Grey seals, fabulous! Back to the windpump for coffee and scones. Another very warm superb day!
FROM THE TOP
HUNDREDS OF ATLANTIC GREY SEALS
A PEACEFUL SCENE!
Monday, we drove north to West Runton Camping and Caravan club site near Cromer for 2 nights before heading home. Had a walk around Cromer, saw the pier and the Bagot goats on the cliffs to keep the vegetation down.
Our last day, after a huge thunder lightning and torrential rain storm late last night we still managed to get some sun today despite a fierce wind. We drove to NWT Nature Reserve Cley and Salthouse Marshes and walked the vast areas of salt and seawater marshes and down to the beach at Cley next the Sea, ( weird names around here!) We have had an amazing time, been blessed with good weather and discovered a new part of our wonderful Country.
Home in 5 hours, just stopped for coffee at a layby stall. Easy ride back no hold ups at all. A wonderful time!
