Thetford Forest to Littleport
I had a great evening and sleep, camping in the forest. I love wild camping; the freedom, solitude and calm are all wonderful. I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to go.
The campsite cancelling my booking had worked in my favour as it gave me a bit of flexibility to shorten my day yesterday. So I did 38km yesterday, with 36km to cover today. I was especially glad of the flexibility as I had started my period, and this can affect my energy levels and emotions. All had been ok, so far though.
I set off along the forest paths to Brandon. The ground was covered in crisp dry leaves, which crunched lightly with each step. Accompanied by the dappled sunlight, it was sensory heaven.
Once in Brandon, I stopped on the bench for a quick snack. The sun was out in full force today, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the temperatures were due to reach 24°C in the afternoon! For this reason I decided to cover up and wear my long sleeved top. I actually find it cooler when my skin isn’t exposed! I was very glad to have my sun hat.
In Brandon, I went on a search for the Aldi (to top up my water and snacks). On the way I passed this carving of Fred, it was really interesting to read about the history of flint in the area.
I headed out of Brandon via some fields and was very pleasantly surprised to meet two donkeys along the way. One of them even let me stroke them! I could have stayed there all day, if I didn’t have another 18 miles to walk!
After prising myself away from donkey cuddles, I continued along a lane to Lakenheath.
At Lakenheath, I popped into the train station, in search of some public toilets. Unfortunately, they are in disrepair, but I did meet a guy working for the train company. He is a runner, so was interested in my challenge. It was nice to chat to him and hear about his endeavours too.
I then took a bridleway along the edge of Lakenheath Nature Reserve. I managed to find a little bit of shade under a tree, so took the opportunity for a pause.
The path along the nature reserve was beautiful. I saw swans and pink footed geese, as well as a herd of deer that ran ahead of me as I walked. I felt so lucky to be able to experience the landscape in all of its glory.
The bridleway followed the Little Ouse River out of the nature reserve and along the Fens. A little bit further along, I found another bit of shade and stopped for some lunch.
Walking along the Fens was lovely and peaceful. I could see for miles. The long grasses swayed lightly in the breeze. Along the way, I passed an area where people permanently moor along the river. It was wonderful to see a community living in nature. During my trip, I’ve been listening to Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series in audiobook. Part of the story features the Fens, it was great to imagine the characters travelling through the landscape. It really brought the story to life.
I was also really lucky to see a kingfisher. It flew in front of me for a good five seconds. I felt really lucky to be able to appreciate its bright blue colours. They truly are beautiful birds.
The Little Ouse River took me to Brandon Creek, where I stopped in the pub for a lemonade. It was really refreshing and felt very well earned, after walking through the heat!
The Little Ouse River merged into the River Great Ouse, which I followed into Littleport. The path walked along the river, with the main road on the other side. Thankfully the road surface was quieter and the road noise was bearable. Walking down the river I enjoyed singing Tina Turner’s Rolling on the River to myself. I hope none of the cars had their windows open!
I was soon in Littleport, where Wendy was going to meet me, as I’m staying with her and Nick tonight. Wendy and my mum were nurses together, before I was born! I’m so grateful for them letting me stay and it will be lovely to meet them.
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