Walk 07/2009 – Cley next the Sea

Sunday 8th March 2009

Sun, Sea Sand and Snakes [Ed – Don’t tell Bev]

A well received walk started off from the beach car park at Cley. Having looked at the Google map satellite view (thanks to the route web link) of the car park it was found to have changed over the last few years. The area seems to have shrunk and the café has disappeared. This is due to coastal erosion as the sign by the car park explained that the shingle banks are retreating by 1m per annum. Probably best not to leave the car there too long.

We set off along the shingle bank. The sun was out and there was a strong breeze behind and beside us. There was a good view of the coast line and the wild area behind the bank. Along the way we passed the remains of a number of World War II pill boxes.

Turning inland after three miles or so we looked for a spot out of the breeze to have a break. Whilst making our way into a grassy area to sit down one of the ladies spotted a snake in the grass! [make your own pun] [Ed – what, like the adder nearly ’ad’der!]. The snake, an Adder was basking in the sun. Clearly it was feeling the cold as it did not slither away and everyone was able to take a good look. Not surprisingly we did not sit in that part of the field to have our break.

The route took us up hill and through wooded and heath land areas. Apart from a walk around the circumference of one field we could find our way. Throughout the day it felt hot and cold periodically as the sun came and went out of the clouds. Lunch was taken in a copse just off the path at around seven miles.

After a small climb back over the ridge line we dropped back towards Cley. There was a good view of the local area. There were many churches in sight.

Cley is on the main coastal road but clearly built before the car! The street is very narrow and there is no pavement. It is a pretty village if you get time to look up.

As we were passing Cley’s traditional styled Windmill (where you can apparently stay) the weather took a turn for the worse and it began raining. The breeze picked up making the weather for the final leg back to the car a bit wild. It was an effort not to get blown off the bank.

We went for a drink at the George Hotel in Cley before returning home. Already the sun was shining again.

Report – Simon

Pictures – Alan

Walk rating – Good

View across the marshes.

The first part of the walk goes along the shingle ridge.

Another view across the marshes.

And again.

We are still walking along the shingle.

Our coffee stop and we come across an adder.

It’s still pretty flat.

The skies cloud over as we near the end of the walk.