With a forecast of light winds, showers all morning followed by a dry and occasionally sunny afternoon, four riders met at a dry PC to then collect Graham at Itteringham. On our rides we often see surprizing glimpses of nature and today was no exception, as we rounded the bend at Itteringham Common Mill we spotted a semi-clad young lady who we guessed had been for a natural swim. We waved but she didn’t turn around to wave back!
Our only rain shower of the morning came as we left Buxton and stopped shortly after we donned rain jackets. We continued through Stratton Strawless, Frettenham, Salhouse, Little Plumstead and on to the site of the old Little Plumstead Hall, which later became a mental hospital.
Today most of the estate has been turned into housing, but the original walled kitchen garden remains and has been restored and run as a community shop, café and garden project. It is very impressive and a surprising location in what is now a housing development. It was busy and we found a table under a large parasol that later kept off a light shower as we had lunch. Unfortunately the chef was on holiday and so the choice of light lunches was limited but all very tasty and a good cake selection.
A brief history of the Hall can be found here: https://thewalledgardenshop.co.uk/history
Our return route took us through Woodbastwick, a back route through most of Wroxham until we had to deal with the traffic over the bridge and onto the quieter road to Ashmanhough. Around the International Farm it started to rain and the black sky suggested it was going to last, so on went the rain jackets again, not to be removed until we reached home. We must have missed the heaviest of the rain because at Worstead the water was flowing down the roads like a river. So we splashed through the puddles as the rain eased and navigated through North Walsham and Lyngate, towards Antingham. Graham turned off for Bradfield and home and we headed west for Suffield and Alby Hill and another heavy shower, before we parted ways at Gresham and two continued up to PC.
PC to PC 64 miles at an average speed of 14.6mph
Riders: Andrew B, Ian A (photos), Chris S, Graham A, Mark M leading
Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 22nd – Pensthorpe
Wednesday 26th – Stiffkey Stores
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/
North Norfolk Wheelers 