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MAP: Landranger 134.
STARTING POINT: Start in the free car park
by the Staith along Horse-Fen Road. This is also the location of
the Wherry Trust.
THE WALK
On leaving the car park turn left and proceed until
you reach a T-junction.
Turn left here walking through the village towards
the Church. St Catherine's is a 15th Century church with a 14th
Century chancel.
There is much here that is interesting and unusual
and an excellent leaflet about the church and its history can be
obtained once inside.
On leaving the church through the pretty lych-gate,
turn right into Staithe Road and continue along it until the second
turn on the right.
There are charming cottages and house along here.
Mowle Cottage on the left is especially eye-catching. Bread for
the ducks will be most useful along this road. Further on, again
on your left, there are two very fine houses showing Dutch influence.
The brickwork of one of these 17th Century houses
is very beautiful. Take the second turn on the right, signposted
Horning, into Hall Common Road, then take the second turning on
the left signposted St Benet's Abbey.
Continue straight ahead for about one mile, crossing
the Hundred Dyke and arriving at the remains of the Abbey.
St Benet's Abbey was founded in the 9th Century
by the hermit Suneman. In the 10th Century Wolfric built a cell
on the sight of Suneman's chapel and under King Canute the cell
grew into the Monastery of St Benet-at-Holm.
The Abbey was the only monastery in Britain not
included in the dissolution. The Bishop still retains the title
of Abbot of St.Benets.
Retrace your steps as far as Hall Common Road then
turn left then first right at the finger post walking past Ludham
Hall. Ludham Hall was once a palace for the Bishop of Norwich.
The Hall was partly destroyed by fire in 1611 but
was restored with an adjoining chapel, now disused. Continue past
the Hall until reaching the main road.
Turn right and walk along the footpath to return
to the village. The Alfresco Tea-Rooms can be found opposite the
church. This family-run establishment welcomes children and is open
Tuesday-Sunday 10am until 5pm and Tuesday to Saturday evenings.
These times are extended from mid May to include Bank Holidays.
by Marilyn Taylor and Anita Delf
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