North Norfolk

Lets face it, North Norfolk is not a secret…most of London will have upped sticks and decamped to Wells or Blakeney by mid December, or early June, parking large cars outside weekend retreats and pulling on the Dubarrys, Schoffels and wax jackets for the annual walk around the coastline.

But there is a valid reason for this pilgrimage - it’s insanely beautiful here - mile upon mile of wild and largely un-spoilt sand, backed by pine forests that wouldn’t be out of place in a Tolkien novel and delightful seaside or market towns with cosy pubs or fish and chip shops to fall into when you have gulped in as much of the sea air as you can take for one day. Steer away from the crowds and you are rewarded with immense skies, stormy seascapes and plenty of space to paint!

I know, if it is isolation we are after, we should avoid Cley - after all the famous windmill is a mecca for anyone with a Nikon - but I just can’t resist…OK there are people here, but a space this big can take a few humans and the ferocious winter wind whips away any lingering conversations before they have begun anyway…

The walk to Blakeney, through the marshes, parallel to the sea, is breathtaking - the ubiquitous reeds hissing to one side and the distant crashing of the north sea to the other - behind me, the windmill is silhouetted against the bright winter sky - the clouds behind it being shunted along rapidly by the wind. Ahead the lifeboat hut at Blakeney point is just visible, it’s blue walls grey against the horizon.

Turning inland towards the town, a few weathered wrecks, half submerged in the silt, flank the path…picture perfect - why wouldn’t they come!!