Saturday, 10 December 2005

Walks

The winter light

Back in 1999 I described the walk past Benacre Broad as the most beautiful segment of the Suffolk coastline. I hadn't forgotten this, but even so the sight of the tree-fringed broad bathed in warming winter sunlight took my breath away.

[Benacre Broad]

Distance: 4.94 miles
Ascent: 84 metres
Duration: 1 hour 32 minutes

Walk 7: Covehithe and Benacre

When I came this way last time I walked along the beach. This time I parked at Covehithe and followed the cliff path to the north. Signs in the village attempt to dissuade walkers from taking this route but I found a well-maintained path which presented no problems.

[Silver birch trees falling into the sea]

On the north side of the broad a line of silver birch trees is gradually succumbing to the sea. It's a powerful sight as one after another they gracefully bow before lying down and giving in to the waves.

The walk continues north, then swings inland to complete a circuit of the broad on farm tracks and country lanes. If I were coming this way again I wouldn't bother with this section - the scenery was rather uninspiring after the beach section.

Far better to linger a little longer on the soft sand and bathe in the winter sun.

Posted by pab at 16:21 | Comments will be back later in the year. Please email me instead!