Walk 26/2009 - Stanton Downham

Sunday 18th October 2009

After a trip down the parkway to complete a U turn and drive in the right direction the duo of little red cars set off.

Once parked and booted we set off for what turned out to be a gentle walk through the Little Ouse Valley which links Thetford to Brandon.

The Little Ouse path providing a soft carpet of fallen leaves, led us to Brandon, past Fengate Farm and its adorable collection of very nervous piglets. We all tried to dig deep into our grey matter but were unable to identify the abundance of red berry and black berry shrubs, but we were all able to name the small red breasted bird as Robin.

We passed a collection of steam engines which were no doubt part of the famous Weeting steam and traction engine rally, which has been held every July for over 30 years, and Weeting castle – built in 1130 by William De Warrennen, who was the son in law to William the Conqueror. The castle was abandoned in the 14th century and is managed today by English Heritage. As we walked by a row of thatched cottages known as “the row” dating back to 1770 and reputed to have the longest single span thatched roof in England, Jackie and myself decided we wouldn’t want to live there as the rooms would be too small!

Lunch was taken in part of Thetford Forest – the surrounding woodland being at its best during autumn – the onset of frosty conditions heralding the transformation of the trees to a riot of reds and golds.

After lunch we walked alongside the train track into Little Ouse meadow – where I realized that I had lost my valued little pink plastic pen, but my request to go back and look for it was rejected!

So back to Santon Downham and a short car ride to The Saxon in Weeting for a pint of soapy cider!

You might think I have come to a speedy conclusion but having lost my valued little pink plastic pen I was under’equipped to make further notes!

Report – Sue

Pictures – Alan

We could not name these berries. They were not sloes. Blackthorn berries maybe. Does any body know?

The first part of the walk was along the Little Ouse River.

A tranquil scene by the river.

A very formal seating arrangement is adopted for this coffee stop.

We pass a place with lots of traction engines.

More lined up.

The church at Weeting.

Weeting Castle.

Michelle gives Steve a quick history lesson as we stand by the moat to Weeting Castle.

These piglets went crazy on seeing humans.

We did not know what these were. Young turkeys maybe?

Some interesting lichen type plant.

A bush of daisies?

The autumn colours are shown in a good light in this tree back at the car park.