Beeston Regis and Sheringham Common

Charles and Joy Boldero take an atmospheric walk at Beeston Regis and Sheringham Common.

This was an enjoyable three and a half mile walk on a rather foggy day. All paths were in good order and there were no stiles.

We parked in the lay-by by Beeston Common which is situated on the south side of the A149 half a mile east of Sheringham.

From the lay-by we went onto the common, walking the main path. At cross paths with a pond and a seat on the right we went left by a marker sign going over a bridge. We ignored all paths off. The yellow flower of gorse seemed to 'lighten' our misty path along here.

At the seat in memory of Bill & Doreen Spencer we ignored a path to the right and kept left by the fallen tree.

The path zig-zagged and a bit further on a path on the right joined ours. Where the green arrow pointed right we kept left, then left again, then we went straight ahead along the track with the entrance to 'N.N. Cats Trust' on the right. This track was a twisting one, too.

At the T-junction with a red post box we went left, ignoring the track immediately left and shortly another on the left.

Our track turned left then became a straight one to the road. Here we went left, then at the bridleway sign we turned right along a narrow path up the steep hill.

We ignored paths off it, then at a T-junction of paths in the wood we turned left, crossing paths with a tree with many branches on the left and to the far left there was a sign.

We turned right here where there is a marker with 12 on it and to the right marker signs. Ignore these paths, we kept straight ahead, down hill along the woodland path going round the fallen tree.

At the T-junction we turned right ignoring all paths off, then kept to the left fork, again ignoring all paths off and passing the duck pond on the right.

At the road we turned left along the pavement and went over the railway bridge. At the T-junction in West Runton we turned left, then just before the railway bridge we crossed the road and at the finger post sign went through the kissing gate. We continued along the narrow path beside the road, then as it curved right, by the railway line.

We kept by the line, crossing the large grass area, then a track, where the path narrowed again, then crossing a concrete track.

At the white house on the right we turned left, going over the line, then turned right along the track beside the railway with allotments on the left.

At the T-junction we went left, then at a finger post sign right along a narrow path with priory ruins on the left. At the main road we went right, then crossed it to the lay-by.

t PLACES OF INTEREST:

1. Beeston Regis and Sheringham Common covers an area of about 60 acres. On Beeston Regis common there are about 400 species of flowering plants, including 14 British orchids plus many kinds of butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies.

2. Holy Trinity Church, West Runton, has a 14th century font and a range of 15th century windows. The east window and the roofs date from the 19th century. West Runton's benefactor was Sir Thomas Buxton. He restored the church in the 19th century and set up model farms, made coverts and plantations, giving much-needed employment. The family built the school in East Runton in 1852. West Runton is famous for its Shire Horse Centre, an enjoyable day out for all ages! For more information call 01263 837339.

3. Beeston Regis church of All Saints stands overlooking the sea. The tower is either 11th or 12th century. The nave arcades also date from that time. The 15th century rood screen is worth a moment of your time.

4. The Augustinian priory was built in 1216. There were a prior and four canons. They had the rights to any wrecks in the vicinity. It has one of the most natural mazes in Norfolk, as well as interesting gardens. It is a good habitat for birds. Woodcock, kingfishers, goldcrests and others can be spotted there. To check for opening times call 01263 822986.

Refreshments: There are two places to enjoy a meal on this walk. The Links Hotel and the Village Inn, West Runton, are both open every day.

t MAP REFERENCES:

O.S. Landranger 133, Explorer 252:

166426, 165419, 162419, 163416, 164416, 167415, 168417, 174417, 175420 183421, 181427, 176428, 171430, 161430, 167429, 168426, 166426.