August last month of Summer
The. busiest month of the year so far with lots of activities in August as I try to cram in a few days out before the summer ends.
COACH TRIP -Suffolk
This is the 1st coach trip I have done in decades. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I enjoyed the trip. It was August and the need to getaway as much as possible is at it’s peak.
We met at St James park, picked up and driven out of London towards Essex then Ipswich way, where our 1st stop of the day was Southwold.
SOUTHWOLD
Southwold was described by Robert the guide, as a quintessentially English seaside town. Almost an island, being bounded by the North Sea to the East, by the River Blyth and Southwold harbour. There is just one road in to and out of Southwold, It has sandy beaches, a working lighthouse, multi- coloured beach huts and a pier.
After a 2 and a half hour coach ride, we arrived and this was the 1st thing I saw as we walked onto the Pier. I wasn’t expecting a mural of George Orwell. Apparently, he lived here some time ago.
Irena, checking the deets, on Orwell!!!
I made a recording of my reading, it was strangely very down to earth and practical!! No sweeping romantic speeches about meeting a dark tall stranger, or a win of the lottery.
These puppets made of some kind of metal, overturned to show all of those people looking happy when the guy didn’t smoke, the guy was the opposite, only happy when smoking. Pretty good.
This was one of the best and original piers, I have ever been on, lots of really quirky side shows, and experiences to try. https://www.southwoldpier.co.uk
After a quick wonder along the beach and into the town, we had a 10 minute sit on the beach
THORPENESS
The village of Thorpeness was purchased in 1910 by a business man, with the aim to transform it into a fantasy village, and designed a “house in the clouds” an unusual water tower with a boarded house on the top.
I tried to get photos but as it’s a lived in house, it’s protected by trees.
We had our lunch here and then walked about a bit under the hot sun, looking at the houses in the fantasy village. It wasn’t a place either of us fancied living. Even if we won the lottery!
The windmill was situated, just opposite the “house in the clouds”
Aldeburgh
I didn’t take too many photos, as we were enjoying roaming about looking at the buildings and shops. I liked Aldeburgh, it had a more down to earth feel about it. The only downside was the beach wasn’t sandy, but the upside was that because of that, there were less people.
a sole sea traveller.
As days go we got our moneys worth as we visited 3 areas in one day. I only wished I had known the agenda before hand and brought my swimmer.!
YORK
I had an excuse for a day out to York, when meeting some family who were staying nearby for a while. After a pub lunch with the background of the racing on, we went to a Gallery and a boat trip.
The Castle wall of York. I wonder if the Grand old Duke of York marched his 10,000 men up there and back. We didn’t have time to walk the wall. Another time perhaps?
A beautiful town clock. Similar in style to the one I posted about in Guildford,
There are some beautiful buildings and looking up you can spot some fantastic artwork. The figure above is the Goddess of Wisdom & Drama.
Once the Yorkshire Herald. I like to see the old industrial buildings that were built for purpose and not ugly at all.
Boat trip.
It was interesting to visit York Art Gallery for the 1st time.
A lovely space without too many people in your face. (I have been living in London too long) Something you just can’t get in London. There was a mixture of collections, from Picasso to unknown artists, half animal/mythical creatures as statues.
An artist I quite liked as he played with words. Internationally acclaimed artist and writer Harland Miller’s new exhibition showcasing paintings and works on paper from his renowned ‘Letter Paintings’ series.
A big IF! (If only if only if only ————————-
There were too many objects to mention in this post . Here are a couple of pictures.
Lets call him Harold, he’s pretty cute.
A pretty plate by Picasso. There was a lot of beautiful pots and jugs, the gallery itself, is a lovely space. I would totally recommend it.
YORK CAT TRAIL.
So many shops are selling glass cat ghosts and other quirky/quaint, or tacky depending on your taste.
Apparently cat statues were a thing in medieval times to frighten the rats. All around the city you will find cat statues. They do a cat trial for fun, although we didn’t do that, we did spot 3 of them up perching in different positions by windows overlooking the River Ouse.
https://visityork.org/business-directory/york-cat-trail
Walking The Essex Way
This has been on the cards for sometime, I had intended doing it in May but my partner was tied up with other obligations. We did this as a joint effort as he is good at reading maps and I’m good at organising everything else.! Technical adviser, photographer, tickets and timetable, lunch advisor etc etc…
We got the train from Manningtree to Wrabness and it’s five minutes to Black Boy Lane (I wonder what the significance of the name is ) Harwich is visible further down the lane. Possibly something from the slave trade? Black Boy Lane leads to the house of Essex the house that Grayson Perry created.
Lunch stop, in church yard. It looks a bit dark & eerie in the picture, but was actually quite nice!
Walking The Essex Way
This footpath is a beautiful sight, it wasn’t that straightforward, due to coastal erosion, and the tide being in,
Getting back to the station from Manningtree. We took the industrial main road route, which was a kind of downer, so that needs to be amended next time.
View from The Bird Watching Hut.
ESSEX SUNFLOWERS, doing their best. This bit is not too far from the Railway line.
BERWICK TO SEAFORD 30th August last walk of the month. I clocked up 15 miles on pedometer.
A moderately hilly walk but with two more strenuous hill climbs giving a total ascent of 1,500 feet. Starting from Berwick to the village of Wilmington with its ancient Church. Then a longer climb up to the Long Man chalk figure.
A Shetland pony, a long way from home. We came across these not far from Berwick (Sussex) station.
We expected rain but only got a few drops.
The sky was mainly clear with a bit of wind blowing about as we got nearer to the sea.
A climb down into Alfriston for lunch, followed by the second steeper climb up for dramatic views along the river to Cuckmere Haven & the sea.
Exmoor ponies, enjoying grazing in the open space.
looking dow towards Cuckmere Valley
Ending at Seaford. A long day and a long night with aching feet and calves.
looking from Cuckmere haven near the Fishermans cottages out to he Seven Sisters, the sea was a bit rough today.
Until next time- keep on keeping on.
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