2012 February | Martyn Walker | Software Architect

A circular walk near Blickling Hall, Norfolk, the birth place of Anne Boleyn

Norfolk, On The Front Line, Walking Hiking Navigating No Responses »

Feb 252012

Anyone who enjoyed The Tudors would enjoy Blickling Hall, the birth place of Anne Boleyn and the home of other characters who appeared in the series.

Statues of Anne and her daughter, Queen Elizabeth I, and featured in the entrance hall also adorned with spectacular images of previous owners, their allies and friends. Paintings of Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I along with interesting characters from the 16th century and open to the public. Each room with a National Trust steward to help and answer questions. All of them knowledgeable and friendly. If history is your thing then Blickling Hall, its gardens and the surrounding area are a worthwhile visit.

Just 10 miles from Cromer in Norfolk makes it a trek for anyone but locals but worthwhile. With quiet country lanes and a few dusty old pubs still open it’s not difficult to conjure in the mind Nelson’s county as it must have been.

An enjoyable easy paced walk with options along the way, I will be returning in the summer, perhaps after a walk along the sea front in Cromer, and perhaps taking advantage of the sea-food it’s famous for too.

SDC13974b 300x277 A circular walk near Blickling Hall, Norfolk, the birth place of Anne Boleyn

Peter The Great

A massive tapestry of Peter The Great, a gift to the 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire by Empress Catherine the Great is on display in the “Peter The Great” room.

It looks about 20 feet length and height. The roof had to be raised to accommodate the tapestry which must have pleased the local builders.

The National Trust have done a fantastic job looking after it and it’s great they are able to share this superb slice of history with us.

Distance: 10 Miles
Elevation Range: 50 to 150 feet
Weather Check: Blickling, Norfolk
Map: Click here and once loaded select “Leisure” map
Route Card: A circular walk near Blickling Hall, Norfolk
Download: Walkers Route Card Template for Word 2010
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blickling_Hall
Local Website: Blickling Hall
Twitter: Blickling Hall
Facebook Page: Blickling Estate

A circular walk around Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, Burial Ground for the King of the Angles

National Trust, On The Front Line, River Bank, Suffolk, Walking Hiking Navigating No Responses »

Feb 182012

Wikipedia describes the burial grounds at Sutton Hoo as north of Tranmer House, at a point where the ridge of the Deben valley veers westwards to form a promontory. So you could say we have our own Valley of the Kings, right here in Suffolk.

As a keen reader of Bernard Cornwell and in particular his Saxon Series and born in Ipswich, it’s remarkable that I have not visited before. It’s only 10 miles from where I live today.

Cornwell describes the making of a sword from twisted rods in his books so it was interesting to see the raw materials as well as many of the accessories owned by the warriors of the time.

Along this walk a tree had snapped in half and speared the ground. The centre of the tree had decayed, possibly brought on by an attack by pests or invertebrates. The last straw may have been a storm or the effect of gravity on the weakened trunk. The result is spectacular but it would have been dangerous when it happened.

Half the tree is standing with a semi decayed inner trunk and the other half stabbed into the ground like a fallen rocket and leaning against a neighbouring tree.

Photo’s taken lee of the wind and ready to run!

Distance: 8½ Miles
Elevation Range: 0 to 100 feet
Weather Check: Woodbridge, Suffolk
Map: Click here and once loaded select “Leisure” map
Route Card: A circular walk around Sutton Hoo, Suffolk
Download: Walkers Route Card Template for Word 2010
Wikipedia: Raedwald Sutton Hoo
Local Website: National Trust Sutton Hoo
Twitter: NT Sutton Hoo
Facebook Page: Sutton Hoo Organisation

Orford to Butley Ferry Circular Walk

Coastal Walks, On The Front Line, River Bank, Suffolk, Walking Hiking Navigating No Responses »

Feb 042012

Last summer I planned to walk from Shingle Street to Orford via the Butley River ferry. Unfortunately I chose a day the ferry didn’t run so did not reach Orford as planned. The Butley Ferry website has details including contact numbers so I have only myself to blame.

Another Orford ferry is to The Ness which has an interesting military history and a peculiar array of radio masts, and now owned by the National Trust. The Ness is too “Wild and Wooly” according to @OrfordNessNNR and will open to the public in Easter.

SDC13728a 300x225 Orford to Butley Ferry Circular Walk

The Jolly Sailor

I nearly missed this walk because no public footpath is shown on the OS map but after some research I found Griffmonster Walks and in particular Griff had documented his walk along the licensed path to and from Butley Ferry. So thanks to Griff I was able to walk the southern banks of Orford as planned.

Griff also spoke about the welcome fire-place in the Jolly Sailor which I confirm without any hesitation. A hot hearth and warm welcome guaranteed. Lunches start at noon.

Last time I walked near Orford I spoke with a fellow hiker who told me Orfordness used to be a military base. He was just a lad but remembers hearing explosions and a commotion on the island in 1952 (long before the masts appeared). He said when “area 52″ comes up on the telly it reminds him. Perhaps some creepy secret military adventure took place?

Distance: 6½ Miles
Elevation Range: 0 to 60 feet
Weather Check: Orford, Suffolk
Map: Click here and once loaded select “Leisure” map
Route Card: Orford to Butley Ferry Circular Walk
Download: Walkers Route Card Template for Word 2010
Wikipedia: Orford Ness
Local Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/orford-ness/
Twitter: @OrfordNessNNR
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/OrfordNess