Walk 06/2007 – Dunwich and Sizewell

Sunday 11th March 2007

A Coastal Walk

Spring appeared this weekend, the sun shone brightly all day, and what more beautiful way to celebrate than to take an invigorating walk along the Suffolk coast. The only unattractive sight was that of Sizewell nuclear plant, but one positive minded walker aptly commented about the appreciation of a new design amongst that of old.

The earlier and middle stages of the walk included woodland, the pine trees were quite dense at times and must smell delightful in the summer, the ground being peat made soft and comfortable walking. A highlight of our walk was to witness a large herd of dear crossing over our pathway and near to us. We had the added value of their exhibition of queuing to then take turns to leap over the fence.

Throughout the walk plenty of budding plants, birds and animals were seen including a field full of rabbits, probably the nearest to a warren that one could reach. We had a picturesque coffee break in the woods, all leaning against tree stumps and surrounded by brilliant yellow cellandines (Ed – Owen had some interesting facts about what you could do with these, but I note Cathy, being a lady, has not engendered the visual image!). The walk then opened out into gorse and marshland adjacent to the sea. As the area is a RSPB reserve, dotted about are selections of covered viewpoints in which you are able to watch bird life around the marsh. Unfortunately we did not spot anything unusual, a cranky metal windmill may have contributed but only one of us was able to spot and name a bird! And that was a magpie (oh dear I think we need lessons).

Our lunch break was pure joy and relaxation. We chose to rest on the beach in an area where there were no other people to be seen. It was quiet, strangely there were no boats or activity to be seen on the vast stretch of sea, all that could be observed was the lighthouse at nearby Southwold. As we rested in the sand dunes in warm sun we were listening to the background noise of rippling waves break on the shingle beach with the result that we appeared to all be sent into a short “post lunch trance” (Ed – I thought we were just acting normally!).

The walk was estimated to be 9 miles, but we covered the area very quickly and had walked the trail including breaks in 4 hours! We therefore had a much welcome drink at the ‘Seaview tea-rooms’.

Cathy

Walk rating – very good

The Minsmere River.	A bit of typical scenery.
It could be summer.	These blocks at the back of the beach are world war 2 tank traps apparently.
Anyone for lunch on the beach?	View towards the Minsmere Reserve.
More tank traps in amongst the gorse which is starting to flower.	View over the Minsmere Reserve.