Norfolk, on England’s northeast coast, is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled counties. Much of its coastline is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, incorporating an environmental jewel box of saltmarshes, grazing marsh, intertidal floodplains, shingle and sand, providing a perfect backdrop for walkers. Cliffs, dramatic and precarious, reveal the impact of centuries of coastal erosion. In the past, whole communities have been moved to avoid tumbling into the sea. What nature gave, nature is also slowly taking back. Today sophisticated buttressing and vast expanses of wooden groynes have been installed to ameliorate the sea’s onslaught. Talk to locals and the conversation frequently ends on an air of inevitability. What nature gave, nature is also slowly taking back.
Day 1: Walking Norfolk’s rugged Coastal Path
The real hard yards start tomorrow. Today’s little amble along the first two miles of England’s beautiful Norfolk Coastline, from was just to loosen the limbs and fire up enthusiasm. It did both. Effortlessly. The wind was chill but the sun was shining brilliantly, making the sea sparkle and the…