Jenny fresh from her trip on the QM2 + Bramble who had her holiday with Sara, joined Heather and Val for another walk around Alton Water. The reason we did this walk again was that we could let Bramble off the lead and enjoy a good stretch for just about all of the 9 and a half miles.
It was a very hot day and we started a little later than anticipated, however, there are lots of trees on this route so plenty of shade. As it was a working day for most people there were not many walkers or cyclists so our stride was not impeded.
On the part of the walk that not many people bother with (the other side on Lemon Hill Bridge), we came across a slow worm. None of us had ever seen on in real life before, can you believe that? Jenny got out the camera and Heather provided the boot as a comparison of size. A quick check on Google and it transpires, that this was a young female.
Off for some more walking on Sunday.
Sunday, 11 May 2008
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Saturday 3rd May
Alton Water was the venue for Heather & Val on this lovely spring morning. We decided to walk the whole way round which includes the bit on the other side of the road. For some reason most people leave this off the walk, it only adds and extra mile and a half.
On this extra part of the walk someone had 'planted' a head of celery on the path, (wish we had taken a photo). Further along there was a large hand of bananas. We couldn't stand it any longer we had to ask some workmen (trimming trees) how it had got there. Apparently someone had thrown the food from their car as they passed, so they decided to have a bit of fun with it. It could only happen in Suffolk!
There were a number of cyclists on the path as well as joggers and a few walkers, usually it's pretty quiet, but I suppose that's because we normally walk this route during the winter months.
There were swans, ducks and geese on the water together with a few small sailing boats dotted about, what a lovely way to spend a morning.
By the time we had got almost back to the cars, it was getting quite hot and we were very tempted to soak our feet in the reservoir, but didn't just in case we were caught!
On this extra part of the walk someone had 'planted' a head of celery on the path, (wish we had taken a photo). Further along there was a large hand of bananas. We couldn't stand it any longer we had to ask some workmen (trimming trees) how it had got there. Apparently someone had thrown the food from their car as they passed, so they decided to have a bit of fun with it. It could only happen in Suffolk!
There were a number of cyclists on the path as well as joggers and a few walkers, usually it's pretty quiet, but I suppose that's because we normally walk this route during the winter months.
There were swans, ducks and geese on the water together with a few small sailing boats dotted about, what a lovely way to spend a morning.
By the time we had got almost back to the cars, it was getting quite hot and we were very tempted to soak our feet in the reservoir, but didn't just in case we were caught!
Monday, 5 May 2008
Friday 2nd May
Di lead the walk today which was around Hemingstone and Coddenham, we have done part of this lovely walk before so were aware of what it was like, but that was during the winter months and it all looked so much different during the spring.
The bluebells were in abundance, birds singing and beautiful sunshine what more could we ask for.
We started the walk a little late in the day and therefore only did about 6 miles, but it was great to get out and stretch our muscles.
As we were nearing the end of the walk it started to rain, just to remind us that April had only just left us and that we should still expect a few showers.
Celia provided a welcoming cup of tea at the end of the walk in her delightful thatched cottage.
Jenny was the only one who could not join us she was living it up on the QM2 somewhere in the North Atlantic.
The bluebells were in abundance, birds singing and beautiful sunshine what more could we ask for.
We started the walk a little late in the day and therefore only did about 6 miles, but it was great to get out and stretch our muscles.
As we were nearing the end of the walk it started to rain, just to remind us that April had only just left us and that we should still expect a few showers.
Celia provided a welcoming cup of tea at the end of the walk in her delightful thatched cottage.
Jenny was the only one who could not join us she was living it up on the QM2 somewhere in the North Atlantic.
Friday, 25 April 2008
Friday 25th April
Update by Heather
The River Deben was the area in which we walked on this lovely bright sunny day. Three of us were able to come along and enjoy the wildlife as well as the walk. It makes it so much better when the sun is shining.
We had less problems with blisters, and noticed how we walked through any minor aches and pains. There were times when we felt tired, but again after a while felt fine.
We saw a bull in a field, who really looked as if he had either just serviced a large herd or was old and past it. Further along the walk there was a small herd of heffers looking very happy!
The riverside was beautiful, with the tide just coming in, there were a lot of wading birds on the shore line, the usual gulls and some curlews. I must admit, I'm not very good at recognising sea birds.
Lunch was enjoyed at a small grassy area just beside the river, boots and socks off to air and cool our feet.
This is the first time of walking this year that we have met so many people doing the same thing. a sure sign that summer is on it's way.
We managed just under 15 miles and were glad to be back at the cars. However, after a few minutes I think that we could have done more, but time was of the essence.
The River Deben was the area in which we walked on this lovely bright sunny day. Three of us were able to come along and enjoy the wildlife as well as the walk. It makes it so much better when the sun is shining.
We had less problems with blisters, and noticed how we walked through any minor aches and pains. There were times when we felt tired, but again after a while felt fine.
We saw a bull in a field, who really looked as if he had either just serviced a large herd or was old and past it. Further along the walk there was a small herd of heffers looking very happy!
The riverside was beautiful, with the tide just coming in, there were a lot of wading birds on the shore line, the usual gulls and some curlews. I must admit, I'm not very good at recognising sea birds.
Lunch was enjoyed at a small grassy area just beside the river, boots and socks off to air and cool our feet.
This is the first time of walking this year that we have met so many people doing the same thing. a sure sign that summer is on it's way.
We managed just under 15 miles and were glad to be back at the cars. However, after a few minutes I think that we could have done more, but time was of the essence.
Saturday, 19 April 2008
Friday 18th April
Update from Di.
Another Training Day! After last Saturday and Sunday training days, 37 miles, this Friday was just 10 miles. Starting at Manor End, Felixstowe, we walked to the Ferry taking in four hills and steps! It was high tide and we don't think we've ever seen the waves so high and coming over the prom in places! It was head wind all the way to the ferry and we treated ourselves to fish and chips at the Cafe - delicious!
Making our way back we walked some of the way on the beach as tide had receded and made our way into town to buy Heather's mother-in-laws birthday cake in M & S!!!! As some of you may know, it's Val’s favourite food store and she couldn’t resist the purchase of 'Pink Pigs' and 'Wiggley Worms'! Only one hill on our return to the car - a good training day and hard work with the wind!
Val bet both Di and Heather £5 each that her husband would locate them on the walk - somewhere near the food stop - He didn't so she lost the bet and the funds for the walk have increased by a total of £10.
Our next planned walk will be on Friday 25th April along the River Deben
Another Training Day! After last Saturday and Sunday training days, 37 miles, this Friday was just 10 miles. Starting at Manor End, Felixstowe, we walked to the Ferry taking in four hills and steps! It was high tide and we don't think we've ever seen the waves so high and coming over the prom in places! It was head wind all the way to the ferry and we treated ourselves to fish and chips at the Cafe - delicious!
Making our way back we walked some of the way on the beach as tide had receded and made our way into town to buy Heather's mother-in-laws birthday cake in M & S!!!! As some of you may know, it's Val’s favourite food store and she couldn’t resist the purchase of 'Pink Pigs' and 'Wiggley Worms'! Only one hill on our return to the car - a good training day and hard work with the wind!
Val bet both Di and Heather £5 each that her husband would locate them on the walk - somewhere near the food stop - He didn't so she lost the bet and the funds for the walk have increased by a total of £10.
Our next planned walk will be on Friday 25th April along the River Deben
Friday, 18 April 2008
Friday 11th April
Jenny and I were able to go walking today, we did the 9 mile walk again, knowing that over the next two days we were going to join the rest of the group for two long walks. The weather was kind to us, with bright sunshine and a light wind. Bramble loved the opportunity to romp around off the lead. About an hour after we got home we had a rain/hail storm and it turned so cold.
Saturday 12th April – approximately 20 miles
We all met at Timberwolf offices in Stowmarket where we were given permission to leave our cars, and then we all walked down to the station and caught the train to Ipswich. There was a cacophony noise in our part of the carriage, and I’m sure that the rest of the passengers were glad that we were only on there for one stop.
We all set off for Stoke Bridge, the start of the planned 21 mile walk back along the River Gipping to Stowmarket. We got slightly (ever so) in the middle of Ipswich.
Considering we were supposed to be conserving our energy and stamina, we didn’t stop yakking all along the river bank, mostly we were commenting about the amount of litter in the river and along the bank.
We stopped for a snack near Sproughton and sat on a grassy bank in lovely warm spring sunshine.
Feeling refreshed we started off on our quest to reach Stowmarket during the hours of daylight!
Lunch was taken just before the rare breeds farm at Baylam, we were all suddenly starving – could have had something to do with the amount of talking we were doing, or even the walking!
After lunch we passed through a field of cows, who showed no interest in us. A short while later we had to walk single file alongside the railway line, not a very pleasant part of the walk.
Arriving at Needham Market, an ice cream was the order of the day – thank you Val.
By this time we were all very tired and looking forward to reaching our destination which we did at exactly 5pm.
Other than a couple of sore feet and general tiredness, we had no problems and were thankful of that.
Sunday 13th April – 17 miles
Jenny and I had done this walk a while back and enjoyed it so much that we talked the rest of the group into doing it.
We met at 9am at Daisy’s Walk in Rendlesham Forest, kitted out, we eagerly began our walk. Bright sunshine and a light breeze motivated us to stride out, and considering our 20 miles the previous day, we had no aches or pains.
At Caple St. Andrew we met a man with two dogs who had been out for a long walk with them. They (the dogs) were lovely, the man appeared sad and it transpires that his wife had terminal cancer and together they used to walk in this area, however, he continued to do this to give them both some space.
A short while later we stopped for our morning break, checked our feet and commenced with renewed energy.
After passing a farm we climbed Burrow Hill to overlook the Butley River, it was beautiful up there. Storm clouds were gathering, waterproofs were located, two or three drops of rain and that was it.
We passed through Chillesford and turned off just opposite the pub, and headed towards Tunstall forest. As soon as we got there we found a lovely spot to have lunch, boots off and feet examined, everything was fine so we set off again. It was a beautiful walk, great weather and wonderful company. We talked and laughed lots.
We arrived back at our car feeling tired and elated, we had achieved what we had set out to do.
Jenny and I were able to go walking today, we did the 9 mile walk again, knowing that over the next two days we were going to join the rest of the group for two long walks. The weather was kind to us, with bright sunshine and a light wind. Bramble loved the opportunity to romp around off the lead. About an hour after we got home we had a rain/hail storm and it turned so cold.
Saturday 12th April – approximately 20 miles
We all met at Timberwolf offices in Stowmarket where we were given permission to leave our cars, and then we all walked down to the station and caught the train to Ipswich. There was a cacophony noise in our part of the carriage, and I’m sure that the rest of the passengers were glad that we were only on there for one stop.
We all set off for Stoke Bridge, the start of the planned 21 mile walk back along the River Gipping to Stowmarket. We got slightly (ever so) in the middle of Ipswich.
Considering we were supposed to be conserving our energy and stamina, we didn’t stop yakking all along the river bank, mostly we were commenting about the amount of litter in the river and along the bank.
We stopped for a snack near Sproughton and sat on a grassy bank in lovely warm spring sunshine.
Feeling refreshed we started off on our quest to reach Stowmarket during the hours of daylight!
Lunch was taken just before the rare breeds farm at Baylam, we were all suddenly starving – could have had something to do with the amount of talking we were doing, or even the walking!
After lunch we passed through a field of cows, who showed no interest in us. A short while later we had to walk single file alongside the railway line, not a very pleasant part of the walk.
Arriving at Needham Market, an ice cream was the order of the day – thank you Val.
By this time we were all very tired and looking forward to reaching our destination which we did at exactly 5pm.
Other than a couple of sore feet and general tiredness, we had no problems and were thankful of that.
Sunday 13th April – 17 miles
Jenny and I had done this walk a while back and enjoyed it so much that we talked the rest of the group into doing it.
We met at 9am at Daisy’s Walk in Rendlesham Forest, kitted out, we eagerly began our walk. Bright sunshine and a light breeze motivated us to stride out, and considering our 20 miles the previous day, we had no aches or pains.
At Caple St. Andrew we met a man with two dogs who had been out for a long walk with them. They (the dogs) were lovely, the man appeared sad and it transpires that his wife had terminal cancer and together they used to walk in this area, however, he continued to do this to give them both some space.
A short while later we stopped for our morning break, checked our feet and commenced with renewed energy.
After passing a farm we climbed Burrow Hill to overlook the Butley River, it was beautiful up there. Storm clouds were gathering, waterproofs were located, two or three drops of rain and that was it.
We passed through Chillesford and turned off just opposite the pub, and headed towards Tunstall forest. As soon as we got there we found a lovely spot to have lunch, boots off and feet examined, everything was fine so we set off again. It was a beautiful walk, great weather and wonderful company. We talked and laughed lots.
We arrived back at our car feeling tired and elated, we had achieved what we had set out to do.
Saturday, 5 April 2008
Friday's walk
Well four of the famous five grannies turned out for our short walk on Friday.... oh and Bramble the dog.
We had a most enjoyable 9 mile walk in beautiful sunshine amongst some of Suffolk's lovely scenery. We were able to watch some of the wildlife, and saw primroses and cowslips in abundance.
Our midday break for lunch was taken down a leafy, grass track. Bramble decided to entertain us by dragging a large tree branch from the hedgerow and proceeded to chew at it. That was fine until it was time to leave and then she wanted to drag it along with us for the duration of the walk. Now normally Bramble is a bright intelligent dog, but on Friday she wanted to show us that her mind thinks that her body can do almost anything, a bit like the rest of us!!
As it was the first time that I had been out walking for about two weeks, I thought that I would not be up for a long walk. For some reason I found the walk easy, OK there were no hills or hillocks (a Scottish joke), but I could have gone on for another five or six miles. That really pleased me. The rest of the group were also fine, but then they had been out for a walk the previous week.
Celia was unable to join us this week, hence she is missing from the group photo, however, we will get her next week. We have a planned 17 mile and a 21 mile walk on two consecutive days. This will be a good test of our equipment, stamina and fitness levels.
We had a most enjoyable 9 mile walk in beautiful sunshine amongst some of Suffolk's lovely scenery. We were able to watch some of the wildlife, and saw primroses and cowslips in abundance.
Our midday break for lunch was taken down a leafy, grass track. Bramble decided to entertain us by dragging a large tree branch from the hedgerow and proceeded to chew at it. That was fine until it was time to leave and then she wanted to drag it along with us for the duration of the walk. Now normally Bramble is a bright intelligent dog, but on Friday she wanted to show us that her mind thinks that her body can do almost anything, a bit like the rest of us!!
As it was the first time that I had been out walking for about two weeks, I thought that I would not be up for a long walk. For some reason I found the walk easy, OK there were no hills or hillocks (a Scottish joke), but I could have gone on for another five or six miles. That really pleased me. The rest of the group were also fine, but then they had been out for a walk the previous week.
Celia was unable to join us this week, hence she is missing from the group photo, however, we will get her next week. We have a planned 17 mile and a 21 mile walk on two consecutive days. This will be a good test of our equipment, stamina and fitness levels.
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