Walking the Suffolk Coastal Path Southwold - Covehithe (Walk 16)
Monday 16th September. Distance3.15 miles Route taken: via beach and cliffs - Time 2hrs 18mins
After a night spent in a lovely hotel in Beccles, beside the River Waveney we made our way back to Covehithe to begin my final journey on my Suffolk Coastal Path walk. My husband dropped me off near the church then journey onto Southwold where he would begin his walk to meet me.
It was a beautiful morning as I walked across the fields. On my right instead of rows of houses there were rows and rows of pig sties.
I followed the track round until I could see the sea. At this point there was a way down, but too steep for me.
I walked on a little further until I found a suitable place to climb down. I looked back along the beach where I had walked the day before. I thought how far I had come since those first walks way back in March.
The start of this walk was very much a continuation of yesterdays except there were more people, and their dogs about. I hadn't gone far before I encountered more parts of Benacre National Nature Reserve. The reserve includes the reedbeds and lagoons of Benacre, Covehithe and Easton Broads, together with the woodlands and heathlands on the higher ground between them.
Although I had a way to go it was encouraging to see the landmarks of Southwold pier and lighthouse in the distance.
Wood that was on the beach and had been washed over by many tides formed mysterious shapes and handy hiding places for many sand and sea creatures.
My phone rang, bringing me back to the present. It was my husband letting me know he was on the beach and could see me in the distance. (At least he thought it was me). A few minutes later, having met up we turned to head back towards the cliffs to head for Southwold. I saw this black blob come from behind the sedge grasses. It was a young seal. I thought it was a bit early for young seals to be about but it seemed to be making its way down to the waters edge. We watched for a while and then carried on our way.
We followed the path along passed Easton Bavents where there were several holiday cottages. They had amazing views looking out to sea and every chance of seeing any wildlife that might be about. Southwold was in site. A walk to the sea wall and then back to the car.
I had succeeded in achieving something that I didn't think I could do. I may have done it in a very unconventional way and I couldn't have done it without the help and support of my husband. Working out where drop off and pick up points would be so that I didn't walk more than three to four miles at anyone time was challenging as they had to be somewhere that was accessible. It helped having a mentor like Gill who was very familiar with the area, and could fill me in on the best times to walk a certain section. To anyone who is thinking about doing this walk I would say, 'go for it'.
Comments
Post a Comment