A walk in the park.

The park in question is the parkland around Felbrigg Hall, just one of the NT properties within a very short drive of the village. We met outside our local pub on a damp grey November morning. It sounds so unpromising, but we are hardy souls not to be deterred by the threat of drizzle, and we all enjoy the prospect of a walk.

But first a ride to Felbrigg village to start the walk away from the park entrance.
Gilly is walk leader and she seems to be the only one of the group who knows the route. This is  great because it is really fun going for a walk that you haven't covered before. We are all regular walkers but there are so many possibilities locally it is always possible to cover new ground.

The first impression is of emerging from a narrow path into a great wide open space and we are right in the centre of rolling parkland. Following Gilly's directions we head off along a path that rolls gently up and down, yet again proving that Norfolk is not flat. We undulate through the landscape

It is a faintly misty morning, and the first point of interest on this walk is seen in the distance. It is the lovely Felbrigg church, framed by trees and with a stout square tower. We are on our route heading towards that lovely building.

On the way we pass a more modest construction. I am guessing an owl box, well sited with a clear view across scrub land and hedges

This church is one of many local flint built buildings, made with beautifully napped flint. The church was open and we met people leaving as we arrived. It was such a lovely church that we stayed here for much longer than intended. 

Inside, richly coloured painting commemorated the dead and instead of pews, boxes accommodated the living.

Outside I found among the gravestones this lichen encrusted skull carved memorial that looked awful and beautiful. The stonework in the windows was also crisp and sinuous. The whole thing provides inspiration for a new needlework project so I record the best bits.

Perhaps because of the grey colourless light the greys of the stone and the natural tones of nature are greatly enhanced. The bark of this tree is a delight.

Finally pulling ourselves away from the church yard we are off towards the lake. Gilly shepherding the group through gates and along the path is leading well.The walk is a good one as each of our targets so far has been glimpsed ahead providing a real sense of anticipation of the pleasure to come.

It is a classic lakeside view, and our walk becomes a real nature ramble. The swans are splendid and we watched a heron take off from the reeds and overfly the water.

The group skirt the lake and head off into the trees.

Trees are a big feature of the walk today, The colour and shape of trees at this time of year is enhanced with so much of their structure evident as leaves are lost. I love the textures of fallen and decayed trees and today bits of dead tree are all over the path. Everyone finds rich examples of fungi to admire and photograph.

We have enjoyed the wild life and now for some tame life. There are lovely ponies all over this part of the park and they are quite unmoved by our proximity. In fact Gilly makes a friend.

This is the part of the estate with hills above the woodland path, down over marshy land along a board walk. Then we make an effort to scramble up a slippery path to the view above the lake

We also find someones home hobbited into the side of the hill.

Live and dead trees are silhouetted against the pale sky. All are equally impressive.

While I love how this one looks I cannot help thinking that It would burn lovely in the wood burning stove.

Finally we are on our way back to the beginning of the route and pass the church again.

The final bit of the walk takes us across the park via a tunnel in the hedge. We are ladies in search of a good cup of coffee. We really deserve it today, there has been so much to see on this walk that we have taken some time to cover the ground. The rather indifferent weather has not taken any of the pleasure out of the walk As it is out of season Felbrigg is not an option today, so off we go to the Groveland Cafe for quite acceptable coffee and scones.