Details:- This was another walk with the Norfolk & Suffolk Long Distance Walkers Assoc.; this one led by Neil Cordell. Some sixteen members from as far afield as Cambridge and Maldon took part. We went west from Castle Acre along the Nar Valley Way almost to Narborough; then south as far as Beachamwell, where we stopped for lunch, and finally north and east back to Castle Acre.
Distance:- 20 miles in 6.5 hours, with a half hour so of break time.
Avg. Speed:- 3.33 mph.
Going:- mostly pretty good;
Map:- OS Explorer:- No. 236;
Progress:- Walked 56 - 444 to go.
Photographs Hyperlink.
Competition Walking:- Long distance walkers use these social walks in order to get in training for 50 or 100 mile walk competions. Such members don't hang about; one was carrying a very heavy rucksack to improve her performance. I'm told that others go hill walking to achieve their peak of fitness. Whichever, they look pretty lean and mean and ready for the big one. Me - I'm not tempted; a twenty six-miler is enough to satisfy my ambitions.
Somewhere in West Norfolk.
Walking West Norfolk:- It's not unattractive countryside. The hallmarks are prairie like fields interspersed with large areas of woodland. It rolls a bit, but not much. There were two or three lovely buildings
(see pics), particularly Castle Acre Priory.
Castle Acre Priory
Castle Acre Priory:- This is managed by English Heritage, and they charge £4.50 to check it out. It dates originally from, but in the C16th was knocked for six by the destructive Henry VIII. The ruins span seven centuries and include a 15th century gatehouse, a 12th century church with an elaborate west front, a prior's lodging still fit to be lived in, and his private chapel.
Vernacular Architecture - Clunch.
Clunch is a soft limestone used for building; it is still used in parts of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and is also found in West Norfolk. In this instance the flank wall has been renewed or at least cleaned recently. Brick is used for the corners and edges, because the clunch will in itself not afford a hard enough edge. Because it is soft it carves well, and is good for internal decoration - churches etc. External use of clunch is prone to deterioration.
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