Norfolk Broads CAMC Site (N52.70036 E1.51371).... contd.....

Saturday, 23rd April 2022

 Blue sky and sunshine, but, like yesterday, a very stiff breeze (20mph) from the North East making it feel a tad cool.

A walking day today.

Last time we were here, we cycled to a place called St Benet's Abbey. , we did a "there and back" route, at that time.

Today, reading the site information, I noticed there is a circular walk listed, and, yesterday, when cycling, I recall noticing the signpost to the walk, beside Ludham Bridge.

So, that is our walk for today, 3.36 miles, somewhat spoiled by the strong wind, blowing across the flat landscape.

St Benet's Abbey seems somewhat mysterious, it is unclear when it was first founded, but, King Canute (of holding back the tide fame) appears to have been involved. By the 12th Century, is was a flourishing and wealthy place. It seems that, somehow, it escaped being closed by Henry VIII in Tudor times, but, still, most of it's buildings disappeared shortly after the dissolution of the Monasteries. As someone of a sceptical frame of mind, I naturally suspect some skulduggery between the local Bishop and Henry.

Sunday, 24th April 2022

Blue sky and sunshine again, but, the wind from the North East is even stronger and colder, supposedly 14C, but, it doesn't feel that warm!

Sunday, so, Kathleen has to do her Church Duty. 

There is no Catholic Church within cycling distance, so, it has to be an online Mass or the C of E Church in Ludham (St Catherine's). 

Well, according to Google, the church dates from the 14th Century, at least the West Tower does. 

Therefore, it would have been a Catholic Church, before the wicked Henry VIII stole it, so, almost as good (history with a Catholic spin).

There is even a niche in the wall of the tower, where, presumably, a statue once stood, see photograph below.

A short cycle ride, only 3.47 miles. 

Only 10:00am, pubs not open, no coffee shop, so, I while away the hour touring the Church Yard.

Monday, 25th April 2022.

Dull and cool start to the day.

I use the Cycle.travel website to download a circular 17 mile route for our cycle ride today. When comparing it to my Sustrans Cycle map, I am puzzled, because at Horning, the downloaded route shows a crossing over the river, which is not shown on the map.

We set off for Horning, and, all becomes clear, it is a ferry crossing, the bad news is, at this time of year, it only operates at weekends! The alternative is a lengthy detour via Wroxham.

I don't think that turning a 17. mile route into a 37 mile route is going to go down well with Kathleen, especially since it begins to rain (fortunately, only a brief shower, it turns out).

Instead, we cobble together a ride taking in St Benedicts Church, Horning, and, then, a shopping trip (for milk) to Ludham, giving us 8.92 Miles. Ludham Bridge - Horning - Ludham - Ludham Bridge. 

Not quite what we had planned but, still a few more miles towards our monthly cycling target of 150 miles, we have only 43 miles to go, and five days in which to do it.

Just to ensure that todays outing is not too easy, I convince Kathleen to follow a small track through St Benedicts Church yard, signposted "Staithes", on the basis that is may be an alternative route to allow us to follow our original route. It turns out to be a very narrow track, too narrow to cycle, so, we have to walk, which just leads us to the river, but, no further.