Beccles Marina.

Horrendous weather this morning, rain and wind, it is a Bank Holiday after all. We spent the morning in the dry, drinking coffee until the skies cleared. Chatting to our host we heard all about the horrors of being flooded out a couple of years ago, he has just reopened and is still struggling with his insurance claim. By lunchtime, the winds eased and the sun shone. From the station, we were straight into a drab holiday complex and further on the remnants of one from another era. Shortly afterwards we came across signs closing the Angles Way path alongside the River Waveney, not what we wanted to see. Not fancying the complex diversion we climbed over the barriers and risked getting out the other end. The works were mainly cosmetic, we caused no damage and enjoyed our lonely tramp. Highlights were a close encounter with a Marsh Harrier, a Hobby darting past and a sight of a Reed Warbler.  Swans were nesting on the fen –

– and the Marsh Marigolds were in full bloom. The river glided past with a few pleasure boats just about overtaking us. For 6 miles we saw no one on the path, this seems to be the norm in these parts – very sparsely populated.  When we did encounter people we realised Beccles was just around the corner, its church tower visible above the trees. Boats seemed to go right into the centre of the town, it had previously been a busy port. Georgian houses lined the streets leading up to the market square and church with its separate tower. Stayed in The Kings Head which turned out to be a Wetherspoon’s operation. The room was great but the bar/restaurant far too busy in the evening with noisy revellers so we slunk off to a nearby curry house.