Norfolk South: Gillingham and Waveney Valley Circular

[jonathan - norfolk]

Norfolk South: Gillingham and Waveney Valley Circular

This is a very quiet route taking in a very much under-walked part of south Norfolk.

The route, starts from Gillingham, just north-west of Beccles,(ample parking by the church) goes via Waterloo; Aldeby; Burgh St. Peter Staithe on the River Waveney; along the edge of the Wheatacre Marshes, to Toft Monks (c. 1.5 kms south of Haddiscoe) before dropping south and then east back to Gillingham.

The route shown used public footpaths as much as possible, however, almost all the minor roads are very quiet and, if time is running short or, as can happen in late summer, some of the footpaths are heavily overgrown, then switching to the back lanes through some of the small villages is a viable alternative and it still makes for a very pleasant walk.

The features of main interest, apart from the countryside and its wildlife (Roe Deer, Red Kites, dragonflies, butterflies and wild flowers) are the medieval churches encountered on route, some of which appear below.

There are three public houses along the route and we made use of two of them: The White Lion and The Waveney Inn, both were very good, better beer in the former, wider range of food in the latter.

Length: c.20 miles c. 32 km Ascent: +175m -175m The route appears much shorter on mapping, but the paths twist and turn a great deal and, unless your map and compass work is absolutely spot on, you'll be very lucky not to take a wrong turn or two. Sign-posting is inconsistent and some footpaths have been blocked and /or re-routed.

Church, Gillingham (Start/finish and parking)

Gillingham Chapel

Typical countryside and flora in early July

The White Lion (slightly off route, but well worth the effort!)

Village sign Wheatacre Burgh St Peter

By the Waveney Inn

The unnusual church of St Mary the Virgin at Burgh St Peter. A medieval church with a late 17th C tower.

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