Late setting off after our award-winning breakfast.

Whilst walking on heathland between the marshes we came across a sluggish slow worm,  a beautifully marked legless lizard.

Next stop was Ashby Church, a 13th century thatched construction with a semi-detached hexagonal tower. Whilst there chatted to a bloke who had recently walked part of the Lycian Way, a long route I completed a few years ago.

Quiet lanes took us through the extensive lands of Somerleyton Hall with all its attractive estate buildings, these estates must have employed thousands in their heyday. The hall itself was viewed from a distance. That school looks a great place for learning…

In the village there was a sculpture to commemorate the invention of the Hovercraft by Sir Christopher Cockerell in 1959, he used the local river for testing purposes. Round the corner was The Dukes Head pub, a quick pint was enjoyed in the sunshine. That evening they were expecting 90 rugby players for supper – best not to dwell on that.

In the nearby marina on the River Waveney people were sprucing up their boats for the season.

Another change of scenery and we were walking in trees alongside Blundeston Marshes. A dog Fox watched us from a 100yds, that was the closest we got. My pictures were of too poor quality. Further on there was a heronry above us. On the next lane, we were pleased to see where we were walking –

The route skirted affluent Oulton adjacent to the waterways which were thronged with boats on this beautiful sunny day. The sole accommodation next to Oulton Broad had only expensive doubles, so we caught the train into nearby Lowestoft for a seafront B&B [The Beach House] amongst all the stag and hen parties.