Burnham Deepdale to Wells-next-the-Sea

We bought provisions for lunch at the supermarket behind the petrol station at Burnham Deepdale, then headed back to the salt marshes, where we left them yesterday. There were a few dog walkers about and one asked us if we knew what event was linked to the bright yellow arrows marking the route (which we had noticed yesterday). We didn't, but it turned out that there was an 'Adventure Hub' run going on today (which may or may not have been responsible for the arrows) so we had the company of runners for much of the day. This wasn't much of a problem, but there were quite a lot of people about altogether - this section of coast has undoubtedly got busier in the time we've lived in Norfolk. Today's walk included some of my favourite stretches of coast, so the problem is perhaps just that other people have discovered these gems. 

We turned right onto the sea wall, with salt marsh to our left and reclaimed land to our right. The sky also seemed to be in two minds - ahead and to the right was rather ominous cloud; behind and to the left was blue sky. The blue sky won in the end. The were lots of birds, some in huge flocks, and some probably quite rare, and as the path looped round towards Burnham Overy Staithe there were good views to the windmill, with a bull obligingly wandering into the foreground (though I suspect that he was more interested in the cows he was heading towards). 

We reached Burnham Overy Staithe and took photos of the boats at low tide - then the sun came out so we took the photos again! We continued on the sea wall towards the dunes which back Holkham Bay, and now there really were quite a lot of other people about. A couple who we'd seen on the bus overtook us, then we overtook them...and so on. We reached the dunes, climbed up and over and there was the expanse of Holkham Bay - miles and miles of sand; it really is an amazing place. 

We turned to the left (away from the other walkers and runners) and sat down at the edge of the dunes for our lunch - it was rather chilly! Then we headed further down the beach towards the Sea, to avoid the other people and to have firmer sand to walk on. There is plenty of room for everyone here, including walkers (many with dogs), runners and horses.  

We followed the beach to Holkham Gap. The beach here has changed quite remarkably since I fist visited Holkham when my children were small. Where I sat down and let Michael and Helen play in the sand 20-odd years ago is now covered with well established vegetation, including red samphire - an unassuming little plant by itself, but which gives a spectacular red colour overall. 

We decided to follow the official Norfolk Coast Path route from Holkham Gap to Wells Beach (it is also possible to go along the beach). The official route follows an attractive track behind the pine trees and it was now so warm that we had removed both coats and fleeces. We made good progress and were at the Beach Cafe soon after 2pm. We had tea and cake then went back onto Wells beach. The tide was coming in fast, but the dredger was still working at the entrance to the channel. 

We walked along the harbour wall to Wells and pottered around the town for a while (buying a bottle of wine for tonight). Then we went back to the B&B for a couple of hours before going back to the quay, where the sun was just setting and fishing boats were returning. We had a most enjoyable meal of fish and chips at French's Fish and Chip Shop, then returned to Boxwood Guest House for the wine! 

Following leg of Norfolk Coast Path