Day 7 - THURNE TO COLTISHALL

Was awake by 8 am this morning, the sky seemed overcast again but hopefully, like yesterday, this would burn off later. As we sat drinking our coffee we remarked at how quiet it was, although Thurne Dike is a quite place to moor, and there was no sign of life, only one other boat moored up there.

Empty Thurne Dike

We set off around 9 am, and turned the boat easily, which is usually quite a feat, but with the dike almost empty it wasn't a challenge. We were soon passing St. Benets, and it was looking good, now they had removed the scaffolding after it's face lift. I never noticed the Abbey when we passed on Sunday, maybe because there were a lot of boats at the staithe, but this morning there was nobody about, so I could get a real good look.

St Benet's Looking Good

We had phoned the Bridge Pilot yesterday, and been told there wouldn't be a problem getting under the bridge if we were in Wroxham by midday. The river was certainly quiet this morning, with hardly any traffic through Horning which was a first for us. When you visit the Southern Rivers, it's hard to gauge how busy the week is, as you see very little traffic, but this week seemed quieter then the year before.

Nobody Around As We Passed St Benedicts

Passing The Ferry Inn

The Golden Mile Begins

Familiar Sight Of Nelly Dean

Passing Horning For Now

The riverside properties came into view, the sun hadn't broke through, it was 11:30 am and it seemed unlikely that the day was going to be sunny like the last two days. As we approached the bridge, the only boat moored at the pilot moorings was a sailing boat, which was demasting, I've only ever seen motor cruisers above Wroxham Bridge, after which the river get narrow, and I would have thought sailing wasn't an option . With the pilot station blocked, I was left wondering where to go, when luckily a cruiser came under the bridge with the pilot on board, who jumped straight onto our boat and took control.

Wroxham Residences

Approaching The Bridge

It was Dave, the pilot that took us under the bridge the first time, and who recommended the Kings Arm to us. He moored us at the stern on moorings, it was just before midday. We had missed the 11:10 train to Aylsham, the next train was at 2pm, so we had a wander around town, looked at house prices in the estate agents, and got supplies at Roys. We returned to Mars and had lunch, feeding the swans with the leftovers.

On The Other Side

Looking Towards The Park

Waste Disposal

Back From Roys

Although I knew where Wroxham station was located, I didn't know where the separate steam train station was. We left early and went the long way, along the road and under the old brick railway bridge, and still arrived at the old fashioned station in good time. We boarded the narrow gauge carriages, which were very plush and comfortable, the carriage in front of us was huge, and quickly filled with a coach party of disabled and their carers, with a lot of cheering the train pulled out of the station.

Small But Comfortable Carriages

The Large Carriage

The journey was very pretty, going through some really lovely scenery, we could follow the river further than we could by boat. The first stop was Coltishall, which was where we were heading later today, and for us was the limit of navigation. The journey lasted 45 minutes, and made a really pleasant afternoon. We finally went though a very long tunnel, where we really got a good smell of coal smoke. Once through the tunnel we were at Aylsham station, the end of the line, and we had 45 minutes before the last train to Wroxham left.

Pulling Out Of Wroxham

Norfolk Countryside

Passing Right Through Tiny Hamlets

Safely Arrived In Aylsham

We walked up the road which led into Aylsham, and a good 5 minutes later we were in the centre of town, in the large pretty market place, today wasn't a market day. We explored our way down a few pretty lanes, and soon came to the impressive church and cemetery. We looked in a few shops, and bought some beautiful hand made chocolate bars from an old fashioned sweet shop. Our time nearly up we walked back to the station, bought an ice cream which we sat and ate it on the train.

Road From The Station

The Main Stretch

Not A Market Day

Aylsham Market?

Narrow Lanes

A Lovely Little Town

Aylsham Church

Church Gates

The Village Continues On ....

But Time To Go Back

The journey back was just as interesting, as facing the opposite direction there was lots more to see. We followed a narrow little stream as it weaved through the woods by the track. The stream grew wider and it became evident that this was the river Bure.

Train Not Left Yet

Plenty To See Going Back

Back In Wroxham

Back at Wroxham, we saw a footpath that took us over the main road, and brought us into Wroxham main station, we crossed the track through a pedestrian tunnel, and were soon walking through the park right next to the staithe. Such a short distance when you know the way.

The Park By The Moorings

Back In Wroxham, Time To Leave

It was getting late in the day, so we cast off and was soon underway to Coltishall. I've said it every time, but I have to say it again, the journey here is just lovely, it's so peaceful, you hardly see another boat here. I'm not sure if it's because some boats cannot travel under Wroxham, of because hire craft have to pay for the pilot to take them under, but the wildlife here seem to have reclaimed the river. It was just before 6 as the familiar sight of Coltishall Common came into view, and we moored up in our usual space, next to the boat shed. It was too late for a stroll into the village, but we left the canopy open for as long as possible. There is something lovely about the leafy common at dusk, watching the cars on their way home, the people out walking their dogs, the sky darkening and the lights twinkling from the two pubs.

Journey Up To Coltishall

Great Stretch Of River

Belaugh Staithe & Church

Familiar House Outside Coltishal

Usual Moorings

All Moored Up

Twinkling Lights Of Both Pubs

We walked over to the Kings Head at 8pm, and got a very nice table in the corner. We decided to have some soup which was Celeriac and Mushroom, followed by our usual Sausage and Mash, both courses were really delicious. We noticed on the next table the couple who were demasting their sailing boat at Wroxham, and exchange pleasantries with them. We were so pleased with the quality of the food, we each ordered a Vanilla Creme Brule with Tuile Biscuits. We never usually do 3 course, but when in Coltishall......

Leaving For Dinner

A Welcome Sight

Our Favourite Norfolk Pub

We walked back across the common to the boat by torch light, another perfect week on the broads almost over, tomorrow was our last full day. Heavy hearts and heavy stomachs.