Sunday 28 June

Another big walk today, and on day one-hundred! Again driving up to north Norfolk. This time to Hunstanton on a breezy, changeable day to start the North Norfolk Path. First leg, around 20km from Hunstanton to Burnham Deepdale.

We parked the cars at the destination and got the coastal hopper bus to the start. Face masks ready for public transport; it feels very strange.

Five members of the Gentleman’s Film and Leisure Club made the walk that hugged the coast through Holme Dunes then detoured inland through Thornham. Then came back to the beach at Titchwell. Finally, along the beach again to Brancaster.

A packed lunch on the remains of a Roman fort to the backdrop of thunderclaps. Jupiter was obviously not impressed by my ham and cheese sandwich.

As usual, we talked about everything from moth hunting to online degrees. From the uses of rape-seed oil to the benefits of lawn bowls.

Ten thousand acres of sky provided enough room for sunshine, clouds of all types, timid showers and even a rainbow – with a visible end! It was another incredible Norfolk backdrop.

The cast of players in front of this breathtaking scenery included a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, a Kestrel and a chorus of gulls, skylarks and warblers. There was no plot, no real storyline, but amazing performances nonetheless.

The best thing about this was that the tickets were free and social-distancing did not impact on the audiences enjoyment one bit. Here’s to stage two, but wearing more comfortable boots.


Beautiful blog and congrats on 100 days. I would like you to know that I now go looking (ie open up my emails) for the email notifying me of your next blog – I’m hooked! Really hooked! Listened to the author Helen McDonald (Private Passions – Radio 3) talking about her selection of music (its a sort of desert island discs) but also about her writing, specifically, ‘H is for Hawk’ – sounds interesting. She also had a view on why during a crisis we, as individuals (and as a society) look to the natural world for reassurance – again, you might find her views interesting. Ref: ‘Private Passions’ Radio 3 – Sunday at noon. One of her music selections was Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No 7, who we adore since the Proms two years ago and I know you will enjoy – it is the soundtrack to landscape.
I’m going to order a copy of the book.
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Thanks, Bro. Love writing it. I’m going to check out the recommendations you have made. Really appreciate the comments.
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Hey Jonathan, just wanted to pop by and say congratulations on your 100th post. 100 steps towards what’s now a cracking and immersive blog. Multi-media too, there’s no stopping you – ha. To add to Lyndon’s pastoral playlist:
Oh and while I’m here, best birthday wishes and hugs (arms length) to Dots from all of us up here xxxx
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Thanks, Sean. Just realised that I hadn’t replied to this, sorry. Thanks for the hugs and playlist. Loving the book btw. Reading the chapter ‘The Ghost of the Nightingale’ made my heart bubble then sink. I have to drive to Fingringhoe Wick to hear one now. Sad.
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