- Date: 14 September 2023
- Walk Participants: Lynne Burge, Sandy Arpino & Lesley Stapley
- Distance: 9 Miles
Day 3 Wells-next-the-Sea to Blakeney, 9 miles
Leaving the boats of Wells behind us we set off along the coastal path between the green of the land and the inevitable marsh land to our left. To get there we had to negotiate a muddy track past crumbling outbuildings which held the accoutrements of the local fishing trade. There was even a tiny ships chandlery, blink and you missed it but there were a few items for sale seen through a grubby window.
Off along the shoreline we went, hoping to see a myriad of different seabirds but we were disappointed with the masses of seagulls and very little else. As we made progress towards Stiffkey evidence of the military use of this area became apparent. A small pillbox hid in the long grass, concrete paths appeared and disappeared, a straightened length of waterway was seen plus various roads/paths extending out into the marshlands.
Alongside the path was a wealth of fruit- hips, haws and bushes of blackberries- were everywhere. A great place to walk if you enjoy blackberry and apple crumble! Then we came to Stiffkey Quay, the village was hiding slightly inland. It boasted the fact that Henry Williamson, who wrote Tarka the Otter, lived there during WWII.
The path then became a little boggy in places, but nothing that could not be by passed in a variety of ways. Around this area there were many people having parked locally and hoping to glimpse the seabirds through their binoculars. After a stop on a set of steps above Freshes Lake where we witnessed Belted Galloways grazing happily on the grass we made our way to Morston. Here there was a very welcome seating area, cafe and toilets which we availed ourselves of. Being in no rush as we were only walking 9 miles today we leisurely sat to eat our lunch and soak up the atmosphere at this National Trust site.
Eventually we decided to soldier on for the last mile and a half to get to Blakeney. Most of the time it was along the raised sea defences and we could see the houses of the village getting closer. As we walked onto the quayside we saw benches and people sitting on them enjoying an ice cream in the warm weather. We walked past the buildings there were several plaques showing how high the water had risen in different years. Up the High Street towards our accommodation for the night we saw the delights of the village houses. All with huge pebbles on their walls and many little snickets off the road to cottages at the back of others. A charming little place. Time for a good rest before a long day tomorrow.
Author & Photographer: Lynne Burge