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Spring 2001 North Norfolk Coast Path (Hunstanton to Cromer)
Hunstanton, Wells, Sheringham
Thursday 7th June.
We travelled up to Hunstanton in the evening, Paul Keech, Alan Wilson, Jack Relph, Phil, and Dick Grundy in Dick's car meeting Pete Thomson and John Stopani later. After checking in at the B&B we went to the Ancient Mariner. The owner of the B&B took us there in his car where we met Pete and John after they had taken a car to Wells. Later after a few drinks it was a pleasant amble to our lodgings.
Friday 8th June.
Hunstanton to Wells along the Coast Path. The weather was fine, sunny but breezy not to hot though. Packs were lightened, as it was a long walk 21.5 miles. All set off in good spirits staying together until we reached Thornham. After finding the tearooms shut, Dick and Paul pressed on, leaving the rest to follow. As they did not intend to do the full walk.
At Thornham the path turned inland to avoid the main coast road. All was fine until we reached a section coming into Brancaster where some caravans were parked. Seeing a dog barking by one of the caravans Paul changed sides with Dick, as dogs always go for Paul, no problem, until as we were passing the caravan, we saw the owner hanging on to a large wild looking Alsatian. Next time Dick will think twice about changing sides. At Brancaster it was back across the main road on to boards across the marsh. Along this part of the path they were cutting the weeds back and there was a strong smell of celery from an herb called loveage which was growing by the path. We continued along here until we reached The White Lion at Brancaster Staithe, stopping for lunch.
After lunch we carried on, it proved to be a bit of slog just walking along the top of the sea defences until we reached the road at Burnham Overy Staithe. The others stopped here and got the bus back to Hunstanton to get the cars. Paul, John Stopani and Dick Grundy continued on. Dick asked a woman sitting outside the chandler if there was a public toilet nearby, as he was in great need, she replied with a snigger "the nearest one is 6 miles away at Wells, you will have to use the bushes". To which Dick thanked the charming woman saying "don't worry I will". After a short while whilst the whole of Norfolk appeared to be out a suitable bush was found.
Dick, Paul and John walked along the sea defences until they reached the beach and continued along it to Wells trying to keep ahead of the rain. When nearly at Wells they went into the woods to get off the sand, it was not much better, but found the path less distinct getting back to the coast path after a slight detour finishing off walking along the sea wall into Wells.
Once at Wells the accommodation was located and arrangements were made to meet up after a wash and brush up, that is those who could. Jack and Phil decided that, as they had not seen much of Hunstanton, it being such a nice day, and they had Dick's car to come back in, they would have a cup of tea and a wander round. Never mind anyone who was hot, sweaty, wanting a shower but no equipment to do so.
After several calls on mobiles they were persuaded to return better late than never.
After all this we met up at the Globe for one and then on to the Edinburgh for another, meeting John Creasy, Dick Mckay, Pat Jennings, Graham Busch and Ian Cousins. It was again pleasant not having to rush back to a hostel at the end of the night. Pete Thompson left us that night as he had other commitments.
Saturday 9th June.
All set off along the coast path apart from John Creasy and Dick Grundy who put a car at Cley next to the beach returning to Wells before starting to walk. This was to make sure we could get washed and changed at night.
The walking was good, easy going and a good pace maintained throughout, apart from bird watching there were few distractions until we got to Blakeney when it rained quite heavily for a short time. Here some stopped for tea and cake; others went along the road to Cley. John and Dick carried on along the coast path to get to John's car, only to find there was not a bridge across a river therefor they had to walk right back into Cley. Lunch was to be taken at the Three Swallows. John and Dick had met Paul, Graham, Dick and Ian in Cley saying that The Three Swallows was half a mile back up the road, they decided to stay in the George and Dragon as they were carrying on to Sheringham along the coast path. The first 4 miles of which was along the top of the shingle bank.
John and Dick met Pat, Alan, John Stopani, Jack and Phil at the Three Swallows for light refreshment before John and Pat went to get John's car. Jack and Phil decided to carry on walking and went with John and Pat as far as John's car then carried on to Sheringham, the rest of us waited for John's return to take us back to Wells and the cars. As we were driving back to Sheringham it started to rain heavily, we thought of the others getting wet, as we kept dry.
At the hostel we sorted out rooms and got changed arranging to meet in the Robin Hood. As we walked down the road to the Robin Hood we passed a steak house, Stanley's, offering cheap meals and bring your own drink. It was decided to give it a go after getting a table, Budgens was visited to get some wine, others were told as they came into the pub. The meal was excellent, the best yet on a walk! After food we ventured on to the Crown a lively place where desert could be ordered by numbers! Alas back before closing time to get into the hostel, oh for B&B's.
Sunday 10th June.
John Creasy and John Stopani left us in the morning before the rest of us set out on a gentle walk, as we were going home later that day. We did a return walk to Cromer and back.
We took the inland route from Sheringham via the Roman Camp and East Runton stopping in Cromer for tea and coffee before walking back along the beach to Sheringham for lunch. Lunch was taken at the Wyndham Arms where we ate them out of crab sandwiches and enjoyed some Woodforde Wherry, before driving home.
Today had been a first; Paul walked without his PACK. He had picked up an injury to his hip the previous day.
During this walk several people had slept together, in double beds, either voluntarily or pressed. If this is a sign of things to come we may have to start a new section, The Trainee Queens Mincers.
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