Saturday, 25 October 2003

Coastwalk

Dunwich Heath → Dunwich

[Upturned Tree Root] Distance: 2.0 miles
Ascent: unknown
Duration: 56 minutes

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Apart from my first week of coast-walking, I didn't initially record the dates of my walks. I've been able to deduce those for all bar the first few walks in Suffolk. To patch up this gap I've resolved to rewalk the coast between Bawdsey and Dunwich. Shortly after making this resolution, Nicola visited Suffolk for the first time -- a good opportunity to introduce her to my favourite walk and start chalking off the missing miles.

What kind of introduction to Suffolk is two miles on rough shingle in a nippy October wind? Thankfully the tea-room at Dunwich beach was open, and walking back along the cliff-tops to Dunwich Heath warmed us up for more.

We walked a figure of eight circuit of eleven miles in total, but only the two between the Heath and Dunwich count for my coastwalk. After returning to Dunwich Heath by the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Path (and a warming National Trust lunch), we continued south along the foreshore to Minsmere Sluice, then inland to Eastbridge before heading north again to the far side of the NT property.

It was a beautiful, gentle walk: a perfect outing for an autumn day. Fleece collars turned up against the sea breeze, crisp leaves crunching underfoot in the woods, contented cows breathing mustily in the fields, and for once I had someone to talk with while taking in the air.

I regularly walk the northern part of this loop, but have never done the southern part. That may well change this winter: the sand along Minsmere Beach is much easier going than the shingle, and the memories will keep me warm on the colder days.

Posted by pab at 20:56