After a year of splendid foreign trips to Spain and Switzerland with the joy of travelling through France to reach them both, we decided to spend a few late autumnal days locally here in Norfolk. So taking advantage of the Camping and Caravan Clubs offer of four nights for the price of three we drove the short distance to our Clubs site at West Runton. Driving the last half mile along the rough track through woods you seem to be transported to another time. The site is set in a large clearing with mature woods and hills (yes hills, in Norfolk) surrounding it. With helpful wardens and top rate toilet facilities it is a first class site.
The next morning was dry, cool and bright with a forecast to remain that way, so we donned our warm walking gear and enjoyed the walk through the trees and lanes to Sheringham where at the olde worlde railway station we caught the old diesel train to Holt station on The Poppy Line. Here there is a well stocked William Marriott Railway Museum.
The rather up-market village/town of Holt is an easy mile and a quarter walk away or the bus runs quite frequently.
After we walked into town, revitalized ourselves with a local real ale in The Railway Tavern we caught the bus back to the station just in time to catch Black Prince, the huge steam engine breathing white smoke and steam waiting to take us back through time and the open countryside to Sheringham.
Day three dawned like the one before so we went for another walk in the woods, only this time heading south.After an hour or so of lovely walking in among the huge chestnut trees we arrived at Cromer, of Cromer Crab fame. After a refreshing cup of tea and scones at the cliff top café “Rocket” overlooking the beach and sea, we walked along the beach to East Runton then inland to our site. A nice bonus in the evening was the local fish and chip van arriving on site, just right.Luck was still with us the next day as the forecast was again for a dry pleasant day. With this in mind we thought we would walk along the Coast Path a little way and climb (for us a steep walk is a climb) The Bump, a local hill on the edge of Sheringham. On the top of this is a Trig Pillar which we are the custodians of and are supposed to submit a yearly condition report, stating if it has toppled into the sea or not.
Dropping down to the quirky “ Funky Mackerel Café” we had what must be the tastiest Bacon Ciabatta ever. Then back on the bus, handy these Bus Passes, and a walk up through the woods again to our covered wagon.
Once again a local Club site has been a real treat and provided some beautiful walking opportunities without having to move the van at all.