Blundeston - Somerleyton - Lound - Blundeston
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The whole area of fenland and The Broads has footpaths constrained by the marshes and rivers. Bridges can be inconveniently spaced and so walks have to take this into account. This loop passes through farmland to follow the edge of the marshes and the River Waveney on a sandy bank, then returns across arable territory to its starting point. The river is only seen fleetingly until arriving at Somerleyton, where we can enjoy its presence at the historic point where the hovercraft was invented. The route is not quite flat, but there are no real hills to negotiate and the terrain is mostly stony track or grass margin, so a moderate walk despite its length.
Blundeston was used by Charles Dickens in the opening chapters of David Copperfield and its church, the starting point for this walk, has far too many interesting features to list here, but they include a squint, a Norman arch, a rood screen from 1490 and an outdoor font. The village pound is now full of nettles, but is in remarkably good condition, so if there are any escapee cattle roaming freely...
There were in the 1940s numerous allied airfields in East Anglia and sadly, not all aircraft and crew made it back to base. A memorial is passed to two US airmen who did not. The spot offers a first sighting of the Waveney and a hire boat or sailing vessel may be seen at any time of year. Butterflies, bird species and flowers add to the enjoyment throughout.
Somerleyton and its Hall come roughly halfway round and may provide a pause to progress, but the stately home is not open daily, even in the summer months, so check before planning to visit. Lound is a small village with a picturesque duck-pond and a handy public house in its single street. The church, known as the Golden Church, featured in a documentary by Sir John Betjeman and is startlingly rich in its decor. It is usually open to visitors.
The walk links all these points of interest, so allow time to stop and savour the history, the variety and the overall ambience, adopting the laid-back approach of the region.
England - East England - Suffolk - Countryside
Features
Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Mostly Flat, Pub, Public Transport, River, Stately Home, Tea Shop, Wildlife, Woodland
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Pubs, cafes and restaurants
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