A Suffolk Weekend

I find it's always helpful for the mental state to have something to look forward to. Luckily I was off work the day the WannaCry MalIware virus hit the NHS Trust where I work - believe me, it's not been pretty, so I was glad to have had a break when I arrived back for this last "challenging" week.  Anyway, it's become a bit of an annual treat to go to Southwold in Suffolk around the time of my birthday in May.  I love it because we camp on an unspoilt campsite by the beach which is surrounded by marshes and reedbeds which hold an amazing number and variety of birds. You wake to the sound of the waves and the dawn chorus and very little else.  We normally go between the two May Bank Holidays so the site is relatively quiet. A couple of years ago we got up at an hour I can't bring myself to remember and drove to the RSPB reserve at Minsmere for their dawn chorus walk with one of their managers.  It was fabulous to walk through the reserve before it officially opened for the public and hear about 20 different bird species.

On Friday, after a 5 hour drive from London (don't ask), the sun finally came out for the evening. No expense spared on home comforts.
  

A short walk to the Harbour Inn for a pint of Adnams and a fish supper followed by a stroll along the River Blyth.

Saturday morning we tried the new café which has opened in the perfect spot (i.e. near the campsite) in the harbour.

A trip across the river on the much-loved foot ferry (a rowing boat; £1 each way) and we arrived in Walberswick to visit another much-loved local, Sonia, and she took us for a beautiful walk along Hoist Covert with her dog, Alfie.  Stunning views across the marshes and dunes to the sea.  No sign of the local marsh harrier. Or any bitterns.

We came upon some traditional reed cutters stacking the reeds for roof thatching.  I would have loved take a photo but they had pitchforks and looked busy - didn't want to disturb! 

Back "home" to our private glade for a little siesta.  No chairs but got the important stuff.

The local wildlife isn't bothered.

Kestrel

Swallow

Out to one of our favourite restaurants in Southwold, Sutherland House.

Stopped for drinks on the way home at The Sail Loft.  Great views over the marshes from the back of the pub.

Sunday morning dawn chorus was very early so went for a walk between 5 and 8 a.m. to make the most of the beautiful sunrise over the reedbeds.

This reed warbler was making a LOT of noise.

Not sure what this is, possibly a pipt. Known as LBJ (Little Brown Job).

The Adnams brewery (founded 1872) is based in Southwold. "Southwold Jack", a medieval clock 'smiter' dressed in 15th Century costume is used as a symbol for the brewery (original in St. Edmund's next to the font).

The amazing Grade I listed St. Edmund's Church is a surprise (I've never seen it before even though I've visited the town a few times) hidden round the back of the High St. Built in 1460, funded by wealthy wool merchants. See link (here) for photos of the beautiful interior.

St. Edmund (Edmund the Martyr) was King of East Anglia from approx. 855 to 869.

Walk back to the campsite along the start of the Sandling's Walk, the perfect distance for a stroll between the town and the pub at the harbour.

The tea hut next to the campsite was much needed for a warm-up after putting away the tent in the rain.

The sun came out and time for another cheeky beer before lunch. Cheers!



Another favourite place: Sole Bay Fish Company. Packed full of people buying fish at the counter and enjoying lunch.  Make sure you book!

Strangely enough, there is an article in today's Telegraph talking about walking in Southwold and Walberswick.