Day 4 - LODDON TO NORWICH

I awoke to the sound of rushing water, but I think it was the boat next door leaving that awakened me, and as we had our morning tea we watched other boats leaving.

Loddon Staithe

We had a walk back into the village, and walked through the churchyard. On the other side of the churchyard we followed at footpath, which took us under a canopy of trees, and through a field of sheep. It was obvious that spring was well on the way, as the footpath was blooming with wild flowers. The footpath eventually brought as out into a lane, and we turned left, down to Pyes Mill, which lead back to the riverside.

Loddon Church

Across The Churchyard

Covered Footpath

Through Fields

Along the Riverside

Back To The Church

We followed the riverbank back around into the village, then walked down to the watermill. When we got back to the boat, we had the staithe to ourselves. We had a late breakfast, and it was just before midday when we left. Today was quite misty and the sun never really got to break through, so the scenery looked totally different from yesterday evening. We passed a number of boats on our way back to the River Yare, but Paul had no trouble passing them.

Boats Leaving

From The Watermill

Picture Postcard Mooring

The mist seemed to be really thick back on the Yare, and the tall buildings of Cantley sugar factory looked ghostly as they appeared. The river here was wide and reed lined, the trip was uneventful all the way up to Brundall, with only a few riverside pubs to break the reedy skyline.

Back At The Misty Yare

A Blot On The Landscape

Once past Brundall, the river got very picturesque with open tree-lined fields, we passed a very attractive staithe which turned out to be Brammerton Common, I discovered on consulting the map, with Norwich less than an hour away. I think there must have been a private school nearby, as we passed rowing teams all the way up to Whittlington country park.

Brammerton Common

Entering Norwich

Norwich Riverside

Here the river split into two, with the Yare turning to the south and becoming to narrow to navigate, and the River Wensun continuing west through Norwich. We were soon, passing homes and warehouses, and travelling under a number of bridges, before arriving at Norwich Yacht station. The yacht station is, in my opinion, the prettiest stretch of the river in Norwich, lined with willow trees and a really lovely staithe. The station master helped us moor, and took our £12 mooring fee, telling us that water and showers were included. Very reasonable, I thought.

Norwich Yacht Station

View From Our Moored Boat

We locked up and crossed the bridge and walked towards the cathedral spire, and was in the church grounds within 10 minutes. Norwich Cathedral was built on Elm Hill, so you can see the spire from miles away. Elm Hill is the oldest part of Norwich, a warren of twisty cobbled streets and interesting shops. It was 4:30, so we popped in the Britons Arms, which is the city's oldest tea rooms. We had tea and Lemon and Lavender home made cake.

Follow The Spire

Cathedral Grounds

Norwich Cathedral

We finally emerged from the back streets, and we found ourselves back on the river somewhere. We didn't know where we were, but we figured that following the river back would eventually get us back to Mars. The evening was quite pleasant and we were in no hurry, it was a long walk but very enjoyable and at one point we went through a very nice park.

Britons Arms & Elm Hill

Riverside Walk Back

We decided not to go back into the centre of Norwich that night, there was a Prezzo on the corner next to the yacht station, and I had a money off voucher on my phone. We had a couple of Pizzas, and the walk back along the Yacht Station was very pleasant, it really didn't feel like a city centre. We watched
the latest episode of Game of Thrones, which I had downloaded the previous night.

From The Bridge

Back At The Staithe

We had enjoyed our short visit to Norwich, but I think we were longing to be back somewhere more rural, we had planned to revisit Norwich in the morning, but I think we both knew that we would be leaving just after breakfast.

Handy Local Prezzos