Norfolk - 23 Sep 11

The next expedition saw us heading to the coast to Wells-Next-The-Sea in Norfolk. Again, a Friday evening start for the short run up to North Norfolk, enjoying seeing the Audi "tosser" lights in the rear view mirror and slowing down just to wind them up :O) 


Arriving at Pinewoods, and after the usual very rapid set-up on a delightful pitch, we found that planning this time had been a bit slapdash and the menu for the weekend had not been carefully thought out. Luckily, for the first time, we had the bikes on the rack and quickly unmounted them from the bus and rode the mile or so along the sea wall into town to enjoy Fish and Chips with our feet dangling over the harbour wall.

Pinewoods with Tom in the background

A warm evening ride back to the van, followed by a couple of beers, saw us turn in for an early night and a good nights sleep in what is, despite it's relatively small size, a very cosy and comfortable bed. We did, however, encounter a bit of a problem with the erratic heating and this time no hot water. Identifying the problem as a blown fuse, we replaced the rogue item and all was well again.

Saturday was an early start to watch England v Romania and then a very pleasant walk into town to get some shopping (including some delicious bread rolls and real ham) and then a trundle back along the sea front for tea and well deserved humungous cream cakes!

A cuppa and a BIG cake!

Being typical athletes we needed to burn off the calories, so we set off along the coast path behind the Pine Woods for a long cycle ride to Holkham beach. Negotiating the potholes, sand and gravel with skill and panache we soon reached the deserted beach where we stopped for a sit down and a ham roll. As usual, we had the delightful beach to ourselves and, after a little rest, cycled back to the site.

A very crowded Holkham on a Saturday afternoon

On Sunday I awoke before dawn to catch the sunrise over the harbour. I am so pleased I did. Cycling the mile or so to the harbour, I was in time to catch the most stunning sunrise. Then, back to the van for breakfast, a read of the Sunday papers, the invasion of the Taylors, lunch and then a walk and kite flying on the beach.

As for the Campsite itself, Pinewoods is fairly reasonably priced and in a stunning location next to the beach. The pitches are spacious and well sheltered, although the on site shop is very expensive and the toilet/shower blocks are ancient and could really do with some investment. Obviously the site really wants to attract those with their own facilities, which is a shame as there is so much to offer.