Cley next to Sea.

P1010022  With the prospect of a few days of fine autumnal weather we drove the short distance along our local Norfolk coast road to the wilds of Cley next to Sea. The Rectory Hill C.S. campsite was a first for us and we found it suited us just fine. Arriving late morning we had the afternoon free to wander along the narrow lanes to the quaint little village of Cley.

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With its old fish Smokehouse, lovely picturesque windmill and flint cottages it was like stepping into an older time.

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After a rather cold night we walked down Old Woman’s Lane to the famed wildlife reserve of Cley Marsh. Since our last visit several years ago the then little reception building has been superseded by a wonderful light and airy visitors centre, restaurant, viewing area and modern toilets. The large parking area means Motorhomes could be left all day whilst roaming the trails on the reserve. We spent most of the day walking to and viewing from the many bird hides and trying to identify the numerous birds on the scrapes and meadows.

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Apart from the usual waders etc we saw: Ruff, Wheatear, Curlew, Little Egret, Marsh Harrier and loads of Golden Plover. It really is a Bird Watchers dream place.

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Next day we walked the narrow Norfolk lanes again, this time through the village of Wiveton, taking heed of the sign at the village edge.

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Then onto Blakeney for lunch and a stroll down its old main street.

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As the tide was out the harbour seemed quiet and small.

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Even the Seal viewing boat trips were unable to reach their muddy quay berths.

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On an end wall near the quay were markers showing the high tide levels that have affected the area over the years. We had noticed that all the cottages and shops at the lower end of the village had some means of flood water prevention, mostly drop-in steel sheets in front of the main doors, some even having wide flood barriers to fill driveway entrances. Then it was a lovely walk back across the meadows and through the woods to our home on wheels.

Next morning we drove the thirty miles to home admiring the signs of the new season , with the trees changing their summer coats to the more colourful tones of Autumn. 

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