JOHN MERRILL'S NORFOLK BROADS CHALLENGE WALK = 20 MILES

ABOUT THE WALK & MY STORY =

For a year the walk plan lay on my desk waiting to be done. I had tried the previous year when I was staying near Lowestoft, but the weather was distinctly unfavourable, so my boots remained in the car! This year the weather was kinder and although not “summer”, at least it was dry and about 16F.

I left at 6.30am from Halvergate as the marshes were swathed in mist; the cattle seemed unhappy with the poor light but continued to graze methodically. I set off in shorts and a wind-breaker and headed out of the village past a Weaver's Way Information Goard and onto the track across the marshes to the River Vare near the Berney Arms. I followed a short section of the Weaver's Way — the sign stated
3 1/2 miles to Berney Arms, but I was using the earlier Weaver's Way route so would be walking 6 miles to get there. Enjoyable walking with just the sound of numerous birds on a drainage channel or in the air. 1 saw no one except for a fox and two hares, who seemed oblivious to a humans approach. Only in the last few metres did they suddenly look up and dive into the undergrowth.

The former drainage mills were my only landmarks along my route and the terrain although flat, was as wild as many mountain moorland and as remote. After two hours 1 crossed the single tracked railway line and reached the embankment above the River Vare. Here I joined the Wherryman's Way my companion for the next seven miles to Reedham Ferry. The mist was dissipating and a few cruisers
came along the river which at first was still tidal influenced by the seaweed laden banks. I was soon at Berney Arms Inn and the impressive drainage windmill beyond.

I pressed on along the good path, whilst 1 had food in the rucksack I didn't stop to eat. Just preferred walking despite no breakfast or drink since the night before. Only when I had walked the whole route did I enjoy a banana but no liquid. It's the way I have trained my body, naturally, and find it no hardship. It is all a matter of having the right focus and attitude; the world is your oyster.

More ecruisers passed by with the “Captain's” giving a hearty wave. Two more hours passed with several more spectacular drainage mills, before I walked into Reedham and admired the railway swing bridge and the attractive riverside village; a gem of the route. The Wherryman's Way had been closed along the river
banks, as it was unstable, so 1 had to road walk round, via the railway station to the Ferry, Inn and campsite; all just over halfway! Here  left the Wherryman's Way as it crossed the river.

The path now was still defined but not used much, but still kept to the river's embankments as I passed more drainage mills with the ever increasing British Sugar factory ahead. On its outskirts I finally said goodbye to the river and began the walk northwards back to Halvergate via two attractive and unspoilt Norfolk villages — Limpenhoe and Freethorpe, The latter had a shop and an inn. Both had interesting churches, one with a circular tower, and both were Norman foundations. I walked on along the quiet lanes back into Halvergate to my car, sad it was all over.

Whilst not one of the hardest or longest of my day challenge walks, it does possess many attractions and does have the gift of stillness, as you walk upon mother earth. I can't wait to explore of this fascinating area more, having encircled it and cruised along its many rivers. Then there is the Weaver's Way and Wherryman's Way to walk in their own right. As always as one walk ends, others thrust their heads in your direction.

Enjoy the peaceful walk surrounded my a kaleidoscope of wild birds, and fascinating history.

A5 Guide. Placed in a wrap around cover and signed by John Merrill.

Cloth badge and signed certificate for succesful walkers.

Names added to my Walkers Roll of Honour page.