North Norfolk – Height of Summer

Due to a cancellation at Barleywood we were able to finally get in there during the summer, and what a summer.  Picked up van and were on and sited at Barleywood by just gone 1pm.  Quick trip to supermarket then an afternoon of relaxing around the van during the heat of the day.  Later had a wander up the lane and on the way back a couple of Ospreys came over and transition to helicopter mode for approach into RAF Sculthorpe.  The base is closed but the runway is maintain to the highest standard.  The raisons d’etre for these operations is really to pick up special forces after they complete operations.

Due to the heat we made a plan to get up early and leave the van about 0730hrs to visit RSPB Titchwell, however the best laid plans etc...  Waking at 0845hrs our original plan was scuppered.  Never mind we were out by 1000hrs and parking at Titchwell by 1030hrs.  Wandered around the reserve, ending up at the beach where we paddled in the clear, warm(ish) North Sea. After dinner we had another wander around the lanes where we met Lorna (owner of Barleywood) trying to capture 6 chickens that had dumped up there by someone.  Having had no success Lorna left a large bowl of water for them, food not being a problem as there are plenty of wheat fields there.

Mrs One had seen a notice about an open day (Sunday) for the local church, All Saints, at Waterden.  Intrigued as we must have passed it numerous times but never seen we decided to investigate.  You can’t really see the church from the road as it surrounds by trees and there are no signs outside.  Someone had cut the verge and a path to the church so we bailed out to have a peep.  What a lovely little building, starting in the Anglo Saxon period and then altered in subsequent periods from Norman, middle ages and latterly Victorian. 

We carried on to our intended walk for the day which was NWT at Cley.  Plenty of birds around, nice walk ending up at the Café and one of their enormous and delicious fruit scones.

On the way back to the van we stopped off at Langham Dome.  https://langhamdome.org/  This is an interesting relic of the 2 WW when Langham had an airbase.  The dome was used to train ack ack gunners.  Unfortunately the dome doesn’t open on a Saturday but there were plenty of posters around.  Interestingly the picnic tables were covered in information and they all had games marked out on them.

Saturday evening we went on one of our favourite walks from Burnham Overy Staithe to the beach, along to Holkham beach then return a distance of some 3 miles.

Sunday a bright, sunny morning so made our way to Mannington Hall and gardens https://www.manningtongardens.co.uk/ We paid full price for entry but found out later it’s on the Gardeners World 2 for 1 scheme.  Due to the weather the rose gardens had been decimated so there were very few still in bloom, this despite taking water out of the moat.  Whilst there  was also a  medieval fait taking place so lots of interesting  stalls and displays.  Mrs One checked out tapestry making whilst I watch pole lathes at work and listening to medieval musicians play.

After leaving Mannington we called back in on the Langham Dome which was open.  Great display, 3 interesting films and you can even have a go on an ack ack gun.

Called in on Waterden Church were we listened to a couple of talks on the history of the church and also how to encourage Barn Owls back to the church. 

Finally went to Burnham Norton and walk through the marshes and picked up the Norfolk coastal path to the Stathe and back to the car.  Another perfect busy day.

Monday dawned bright, sunny and hot.  Decided to return to RSPB Titchwell which was just right for me as I spot and photographed a Turtle Dove.  If you have never heard one call they sound similar to a cat purring.  Spent 4 hours on the site watching Spoonbills, raptors, Bearded Tits and loads of waders.  Back to the van for a late lunch and a little down time.  Five pm and left the van to walk to the beach from Burnham Overy to the beach.  Lovely walk, tide was a long way out, at least 500 yards, but never mind I did get a swim in, lovely with the North Sea water about 21C.

Tuesday morning cleared up, pack van and returned home.  Had a fantastic, busy and absorbing few days, just the way we like it.

 Photo 1 - Mannington Hall

Photo 2 - Osprey

Photo 3 - Turtle Dove

Photo 4 - Evening view back to Burnham Overy Staithe

Photo 5 - Waterden Church