BURY ST EDMUNDS MULTI DAY (25-28/04/22)

Members Present: K Maguire, H Maguire, A Dulson, M Sadler, N Graham, B Mulrennan, D Martin, A Walton, P Freeman, K Freeman, J Hickling, H Jones, R Jones, R Steele, P Bridges, D McDonnel, N Bridges and M Farkas. (18) Day 1.....4.5 Miles All arrived via various routes at BSE by 1545hrs, the start time of the 'Leg Stretcher' walk to Thurston. This was following what should have been, an easily navigable cycle route. Unfortunately, when you reccee a route via a cycle and in a reverse direction, nothing looks recognisable. So, with more than a couple, but less than a few wrong turns, we found our way via some lovely brand new housing estates at a pub in Thurston! Couple of drinks here, where some chose to stay and eat and others departed back to BSE on the train. Some confusion about my directions on how to get up to the platforms at the station didn't instil much confidence in my leadership abilities for the next couple of days😂 Day 2....6 or 9 Miles Andy Walton had an early start from Birmingham and joined us all for this Circular walk starting at BSE. A lovely sunny day and not much wind created perfect walking conditions for this undulating walk using fields, lanes and tracks. Climbing out of BSE, we crossed the Hospital Helipad before entering lovely countryside and whilst taking a break outside a church, we were invited in to explore it by a local key holder. This was the split point for those who wanted to do only the 6 mile route. I think there would have been a couple of takers for this but they were 'shamed' into carrying on and doing the 9. When we arrived back into BSE, we went to the Beer Cafe at the brewery and enjoyed our refreshments before doing our various activities in the evening. Day 3.....6/12 Miles There were 10 members that wanted to walk the full 12 miles from Barnham back to BSE so we duly travelled there by bus to the start point. The peace and quiet of this somewhat isolated area was only interrupted by the large aircraft departing from the USA airbase at Lakenheath. In fact, it was a while before we saw another living soul. It was nearly 7 miles before we arrived at Culford where we were joined, with impeccable timing, by the 6 mile walkers. Leaving Culford, were some quiet paths and lanes before we arrived at the River Lark and followed its path to the BSE golf course. Skirting this brought us to the not so pleasant last mile back into town where we plonked ourselves in the nearest pub for our after walk debrief. The Evening saw us enjoying a wonderful meal together, sporting fake moustaches ( it's a long story) and then all up to the 'Spoons' enjoying each others company until late into the evening. The only thing of any concern is Mac thinks he has to stand to attention to announce at the top of his voice, that he's going for a piss! Acknowledgments. Dale....for leading the 6 mile walkers the incredible distance of 1 mile and along 1 path. Kim....for bringing the fake moustaches. Mark...for constantly being perched on my shoulder and making sure I was going the right way( usually I wasn't). 😃 Karl Maguire