My mate from my years in Norfolk popped on his bike to meet me in Bury for the night, and brought a special delivery. Thanks to the wonders of internet shopping, my drone has been replaced!
We had a good catch up having not met up in 13 years! Time flies, but nothing changed, it was as if we had a couple of beers last week.
He has recently been on a mad jaunt himself, in the highlands, trying to reach Britain’s most remote pub. However he had a rough time of it and unfortunately missed last orders. As a consolation I took him to the ‘Nutshell’, the smallest pub in Britain.
Having booked a cottage in Bury, Neil kipped on the sofa and at 0630h he hit the road before the parking restrictions outside came into force.
The journey today was 100% mud free. First time since day one. It was also mostly on soft dirt paths – my legs were very pleased.
For the first 10km I pretty much did the one day walk with the British Pilgrimage Trust from about this time last year, but in reverse.
The route followed the St. Edmunds Way, along the banks of the river Lark. The waterfowl my companions for this stretch. I called in at St Mary’s in Culford for the stamp, then pressed on.
That was the last bit of civilisation until Thetford. From there it followed Byways and forest tracks. The strong winds causing the tree tops to creak and twigs cover the path.
While passing a ploughed field, plumes of ochre filled the air, whipped up by the gusts of wind. The smell of earth filled my nostrils as I squinted to keep the grit from my eyes.
The change of scenery also brought a change in wildlife. I saw a badger, deer and hares. Pheasants startled and flapped from the hedgerows and bracken as I passed – I still managed to spot a Skylark.
The kilometres passed with ease and before I knew it I was following the Little Ouse river into Thetford – day seven done.
Stu's Camino 