Things are probably more awkward coming up towards Christmas this year than most people have known in their lifetime. Yes, I’m talking about the dreaded price rises, but no that’s not what I’m writing about - my mission is a stress busting one.
Over the years, Christmas has grown into a stressful time on its own. It’s no longer one apple, one orange and a woolly pullover from granny with a selection box. Sellers of game consoles and other cleverly advertised goods know it well - everyone is supposed to need or want to buy lots of stuff for Christmas.
Take my son for instance; he’s bought a fancy beer pump that uses large cans. Not like the Party Seven I remember, oh no, much more posh… why?
Well neither he nor his wife drink beer but their guests at Christmas may just prefer beer to the other many drinks on offer (which were bought in just for those couple of days), along with the zillion pound turkey that’ll still be being served up in February’s sandwiches. But then turkeys are still a hot topic with bird flu. Even if that’s sorted, they’re still probably like everything else: in short supply and at enormous cost.
This next question may seem a bit odd. What’s the best river in the UK? The Thames, The River Soar or even the Derwent?
No, none of them, the answer is right on your doorstep. It’s The Tiffey! Why? That’s simple! Lots (and I do mean LOTS) of people in Wymondham in particular have found this little gem, not just over many fields but in one simple, short walk. If you fancy a hike there’s around 6 miles available to tackle. However, the piece I’m talking about starts from a small car park on Becketswell Road found by Wymondham Abbey on the right hand side.
Everywhere around there is worth a slow stroll but believe me, start in that car park, even if you’re in a grumpy mood, forget chasing off for a walk just find yourself on either side of that man-made little weir. I call it Wymondham’s Orchestra and you’ll soon understand why.
Each side along with different positions plays different orchestral pieces. If the tide is fast it’s loud, slow and it’s mature nature hitting your ears. If it's really low you can walk over the timber of the weir and be a part of it all. There’s a long unmade footpath you may wish to take especially if you’re looking for that rarely seen Kingfisher or other things nature throws at you. But you need to cross the road for the best stress busting walk in Wymondham, not forgetting the Heritage Railway Station, map and first views of a wonderful short walk.
We lived in Wymondham for a long time with me thinking it was the most boring place on earth, especially as we’d moved from Cromer with views of the Ocean. I’d found the Becketswell car park but never even got out, and considered The Lizard a boring field. Why am I saying this? An insult to beautiful Wymondham? Well, like many people in Wymondham I didn’t realise what I was missing. Now that’s a shocking statement but I now walk it regularly and don’t see that many people enjoying it all year round.
If you walk down that well-used path through Becketswell you’ll soon become addicted like me. There are more seats than you can shake a stick at so everyone can use it. When I was seriously ill I still visited, it took me all I’d got but I made that first bench with the astonishing wood carving. It bellowed at me to come again and I did make it to the second bench.
The views are tremendous especially of the Abbey but everywhere is different, there’s lots of dog walkers but no dog bombs, people look after it and it’s kept beautifully, not just near the path but along the river which is easily accessible, proven by a kids tyre swing that looks so tempting.
Becketswell has got a strange ambiance about it with everyone smiling, enjoying themselves, sitting, chatting. It's unbelievable. It all comes to an end at a bridge in Damgate Street, itself probably the prettiest street in the town, smothered entirely in history. There are other entrances along with so much surrounding area to explore.
On the way back you can simply about turn or go back towards the Abbey along the history-soaked part of town and back to the never stopping tunes I’ve described before.
I’d challenge anyone young, old, grumpy or sad to do this short walk leaving themselves looking forwards to Christmas along with everything it throws at you. Take the children for a safe run round trying out their new trainers, you’ll probably see me and Mrs Go Outdoors there, simply because we love it and I know you will too.
Please enjoy the photographs which may not have been taken at the same time but give you an idea of its sheer gorgeousness.
