Another day of good progress. 71.17 miles, 6 hours 12 cycling time. Left campsite at 7:20 when the only other living thing I saw was a munctjac running through the beer garden. Clear morning ( and wet tent).
First stage was through Thetford Forest which was just lovely. Sun dappled trees, birdsong, no traffic - marvellous. Through Santon Downham, a long village with houses dotted along the forest road. Nice houses that blended in with the landscape. Houses in Fenland seem to favour function over form and are as square as if built from lego, plonked at the edges of the vast empty fields. Houses here use a lot of flint. Churches too.
Through East Wretham, its military camp and many danger areas ( firing ranges). No wild camping here!
Larling then Harling which has a whisky distillery - St Georges. Seem to remember an item on the news a while back about English whisky, must be that, so its quite new.
Went through lots of tiny villages, often just a farm and a few houses. A long way to go for your shopping, in any direction, but a beautiful and peaceful place. Saw herds of outdoor pigs dozing, and crossed the Peddars Way, which walked a few years ago. Managed 11 miles in each hour for first four hours, which is incredibly good for me. Stopped for something to eat at 40 miles - not yet 11 am. Chatted to a dog walker on the bridle way.
Beccles was the biggest place; managed to take the wrong road out and had to turn round.
Stopped at St Andrews church in Mutford as a sign said it was open, which is rare. Lovely inside, white and simple and peaceful. Turned to go and saw a kettle with coffee and polystyrene cups, and an invitation to make a drink. I was getting tired, so a coffee was just there thing. How kind of them. Signed visitors book and a lady came in - seen bike outside. I admired the font and she pointed out the chisel marks where Cromwell's men had cut off the decorative features. Some of the supporting lions had also been literally de- faced.
Felt better for the stop and was soon at outskirts of Lowestoft. Saw bike route and took it - can't believe I missed it, planning. Wide, well signposted and off the A road. 10/10. Soon saw the famous wind turbine and wandered through town to Ness Point.
Propped bike up for photo. Stepped back. Wind gusted, over went bike. And the GPS took the brunt of it.
Could be worse. Have lost about a quarter of the visible screen. Still also have printed maps and directions. Will see how things go over next day or so. Accidents happen!
Had fish and chips for late lunch and headed out to campsite, finishing day at 4pm. Could get used to these early finishes! Heading to Littleport, north of Ely, tomorrow.
Pics of Ness Point and sculpture in town.
First stage was through Thetford Forest which was just lovely. Sun dappled trees, birdsong, no traffic - marvellous. Through Santon Downham, a long village with houses dotted along the forest road. Nice houses that blended in with the landscape. Houses in Fenland seem to favour function over form and are as square as if built from lego, plonked at the edges of the vast empty fields. Houses here use a lot of flint. Churches too.
Through East Wretham, its military camp and many danger areas ( firing ranges). No wild camping here!
Larling then Harling which has a whisky distillery - St Georges. Seem to remember an item on the news a while back about English whisky, must be that, so its quite new.
Went through lots of tiny villages, often just a farm and a few houses. A long way to go for your shopping, in any direction, but a beautiful and peaceful place. Saw herds of outdoor pigs dozing, and crossed the Peddars Way, which walked a few years ago. Managed 11 miles in each hour for first four hours, which is incredibly good for me. Stopped for something to eat at 40 miles - not yet 11 am. Chatted to a dog walker on the bridle way.
Beccles was the biggest place; managed to take the wrong road out and had to turn round.
Stopped at St Andrews church in Mutford as a sign said it was open, which is rare. Lovely inside, white and simple and peaceful. Turned to go and saw a kettle with coffee and polystyrene cups, and an invitation to make a drink. I was getting tired, so a coffee was just there thing. How kind of them. Signed visitors book and a lady came in - seen bike outside. I admired the font and she pointed out the chisel marks where Cromwell's men had cut off the decorative features. Some of the supporting lions had also been literally de- faced.
Felt better for the stop and was soon at outskirts of Lowestoft. Saw bike route and took it - can't believe I missed it, planning. Wide, well signposted and off the A road. 10/10. Soon saw the famous wind turbine and wandered through town to Ness Point.
Propped bike up for photo. Stepped back. Wind gusted, over went bike. And the GPS took the brunt of it.
Could be worse. Have lost about a quarter of the visible screen. Still also have printed maps and directions. Will see how things go over next day or so. Accidents happen!
Had fish and chips for late lunch and headed out to campsite, finishing day at 4pm. Could get used to these early finishes! Heading to Littleport, north of Ely, tomorrow.
Pics of Ness Point and sculpture in town.
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