Ride Report by Ian A
PC – Holkham Hall plus bonus extras!
On a sunny and calm day, 4 riders met at PC for the ride to Holkham Hall. It was a pleasant surprise to see Jim, who has been absent for a while due to a focus on his running and a recent 6 week Greek Odyssey in his mobile home looking up Shirley Valentine or some such.
Our route took us down the Barningham Road, then across to Edgefield, through Stody and Gunthorpe (where, coincidentally, the ride leader’s better half was having acupuncture). We then reached Thursford and took the fast and direct Thursford Road to the Walsinghams. Jim bade us farewell at this point for his return to Melton Constable. After the gentle drag out of Little Walsingham the route took the remaining 3 riders down the Wells Road – definitely one to be avoided in the Summer – but only for a mile and a half before turning left for Holkham Park.
Great views in the park as it was warm & sunny and many young goslings were by the lake – Canada and Barnacle Geese were both seen. The cafe wasn’t too busy and we were quickly served with tasty food and decent coffee. There is a handy bike service station outside the cafe with a track pump, basic tools and an even more basic bike stand. But it’s a good thing. Our route out of the NE corner of the Park took us through a field of sheep with numerous very cute young lambs. All say “Aaaahhh”. Then after a few months say “Aah, Bisto! Where’s the mint sauce!”
We detoured in Wells down to the LIfeboat Station, tutted at the smelly old vintage bus that has replaced the train and Mark reminisced about his waterskiing days… After a quick shifty at the Lobster pots down the East End at the other end of Wells, we took the Warham Road and came back to Holt via Binham, Langham and Wiveton.
Duncan, hiding at the back of the bunch for most of the day, took it upon himself to tow the group at a good lick up the climbs of Bridgefoot Lane and the Cley Road into Holt. Admirable stuff. Yet another detour in Holt to view Duncan’s new build – okay, you have to use your imagination for now as it’s still a ‘work in progress’ but we’re sure it will be great for ‘The Big Move In’ next January.
We then crossed the bypass and took the Hempstead Road past the old Mill and said our goodbyes to Duncan who headed back to Corpusty via Hempstead and Edgefield. The remaining 2 riders went past Selbrigg Pond – where they confirmed that the resident swans had hatched 5 cygnets over the last day or two. Still in the nest at this stage. At the top of Selbrigg Road, Ian turned left for High Kelling, leaving Mark to ride solo back to PC
Riders: Duncan, Ian (leading), Jim and Mark
PC to PC was 53 miles
Upcoming Club Run: Saturday 13th – Waxham Barn
Wednesday Ride: 17th – Great Massingham
Routes for club runs and rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
North Norfolk Wheelers 