September 2020

Link to my research page

Update October 2nd

September 2020

At 10.30 am on the 22nd September we will be leaving Balkerne Gate, Colchester to walk to the Norfolk coast, some 90 miles. The High Steward of Colchester, Sir Bob Russell will be walking with us to the Suffolk border.

The most important thing about the event is that I will be raising much needed funds to help restore the roof of St Andrew's Church, Little Massingham, Norfolk. If you can help by donating, that would be wonderful. All details are shown below.

It is almost a year since I first had the idea to undertake this charity walk. Originally this should have taken place in April, but because of Covid-19 it was put on hold. At long last I will be able to set off with my walking companion Rina Adams.

If you would like to join us as we walk sections of this route or if you need to contact me about anything else to do with the walk, please see the blogger contact link - top right of page.

Once we begin our journey I will be adding photos taken along the route.

September 22nd

Day 1: A very hot day for the start of our walk! We walked with a few people as far as Nayland. Below, leaving Colchester this morning. Left to right, Rina, me and the High Steward of Colchester, Sir Bob Russell.

The rest of our companions came as far as Nayland. Rina and I spent the rest of the day heading for Polstead Heath - lots of hills along the way.

At the end of day one at Polstead Heath.

September 23rd

Day 2: Today’s walk took us from Polstead Heath to Cook’s Green, which was under 11 miles. Before we reached Kersey Tey the first of 3 blisters appeared. My foot was so hot the plaster didn’t stay on!

September 24th

Day 3: Made it to Poy Street Green in the morning.

Crossing over A14 after lunch in Woolpit.

This afternoon I was interviewed over the phone by a reporter from the East Anglian Daily Times, at the time I was crossing a ploughed field and heading to Norton. We made it to Stowlangtoft late this afternoon just as it started to rain! Leaving Stowlangtoft tomorrow morning to walk towards Knettishall Heath.

September 25th

Just finished day 4: Quite a day! We arrived - a little late - at Stowlangtoft at around 10.45 am near the church. Waterproofs at the ready as it was raining and very windy.

We walked to Bardwell in the rain and wind - approximately 4 miles - really hard going. Cold wind and stinging rain. On the way we met up with a Peddars Way enthusiast who walked with us to Bardwell.

A hot drink and lunch and reluctantly we set off again... struggled through biting wind and rain for the next 4.5 miles. Finally reaching Knettishall Heath.

Tomorrow we cross into Norfolk!

September 26th

Day 5: We knew it was to be over 13 miles today, and it certainly was, as we accidentally had a detour. My Fitbit told me all sorts of fibs that we had done 17 miles. It certainly felt like it but I know it wasn’t. More wind and rain today! My damaged ankle and the blisters made it slow walking. We had a few extra people joining us along the route, which was very enjoyable. Crossing the A11 was terrifying, one car had the audacity to pip Rina.

Photo of Rina and me after we crossed the A11.

Later we crossed a railway line!

The photo above was taken near to the end of the day, I was exhausted and in so much pain. Another 13 plus miles tomorrow!

September 27th

Day 6: This morning I had an early start. BBC Radio Suffolk interviewed me just after 6.40 am, and then BBC Norfolk phoned to catch up with where we are at the moment and what had been happening.

Below, arriving in Castle Acre!

Four other people joined us to accompanied us all the way to Castle Acre. We encountered some wind and rain. Determination kept me going all the way!

September 28th

Day 7: A perfect day for walking! We left Castle Acre early making good progress.

Arrived at St Andrew’s Church by 12.30 am. Lovely to have a small group of parishioners to welcome us.

Rina and I received a wonderful blessing from the Bishop of Lynn.

We then set off to walk the final stretch to Anmer Minque.

Last day tomorrow!

September 29th

Day 8: Final day. Leaving Anmer Minque at 9.00 am, earlier than planned as we want to make it to Holme before 4.30 pm. I’m walking much slower due to the blisters on my feet - every step is so painful.

Dreadful weather today, rain, rain and more rain!

No rain as we crossed the finish line.

I’m keeping my JustGiving.com page open for a few more months. See details below. I’m now taking some much needed rest, but will update this page with news and how the fundraising is going. Possibly planning something for YouTube!

If you’d like to donate to the new Friends of St Andrew’s Church Little Massingham charity see link below.

FOSALM.org

If you enjoyed this page you might like to read the updated October page: October Update

If you would like to see our route, click on the image below to enlarge it.

Comments

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Peddars Way Charity Walk - Colchester to the North Norfolk Coast

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