Sheringham Park Ramblers Route

Finally rid of the walking stick and feeling better than ever I was raring to go for a long walk at the weekend so we packed the wellies and went to Sheringham Park. We usually stick to the Temple Walk (orange) which is only a mile but has a few steep climbs so before I got my new hip it was quite a struggle. 

I was feeling adventurous and fit for once so I made the decision that we would take the Ramblers Route through Sheringham Park and Weybourne Heath which was 5 miles. Hubby looked at me in despair because he's not much of a walker and he thought I was being a little reckless attempting 5 miles just 8 weeks after my operation. I couldn't wait to get started!

Harry took the bug hunting kit he received for Christmas and Charlie took his binoculars.

I was hoping to see lots more snowdrops on our walk but the majority were within the private gardens so we couldn't get up close to them.

The rhodedendron bushes are starting to bloom. At the height of the season they are absolutely stunning.

After gingerly walking down the short but muddy and steep hill we were on our way through the wooded valley. We'd walked this route once before and the children were hunting for the 'money tree'. It's a trunk full of coins that people have stuck in the grooves. I have no idea why it's that way or what the meaning is behind it but the children believe it's magical! They tried to remove a few rusty coins but they were steadfast so instead they left behind a coin each.

Harry easily won their game of 'Who can find the biggest stick?' Whenever we're out in the countryside it's all about sticks for the boys. The bigger the better.

This is a microphone and stand apparently. We heard a lovely rendition of the Elephant Love Medley from Moulin Rouge.

"Follow the yellow brick road, follow the yellow brick road..."

Hubby was regularly found on a bench waiting for us to catch up as we stop to take in our surroundings, go bug hunting, look at interesting leaves or stones etc. I told you he wasn't one for walking!

North Norfolk coast and the North Sea as seen from Weybourne Heath. I had planned to take a camera with me but both had flat batteries so I had to make do with my phone.

As we came around the corner we could see the steam train of the North Norfolk Railway (Poppy Line) in the distance so we stopped to watch the train go past us.

After walking through a couple of fields we could have turned left and carried on for a mile to the Norfolk Coast path but we were all getting a little tired as we'd been walking for about 2 hours. We plan to go back to that part one day.

Harry hadn't seen many bugs so once we were back in the park he got his magnifying glass out to search one of the inside of one of the trees. He didn't find much except lots of little holes and a couple of snails hiding.  

Charlie taking a rest while Harry hunted for bugs.

Across the park towards the sea. We were so lucky with the weather and it was really warm.

One of my favourite spots in the park-The Temple. I love sitting up there taking in the view. It felt like one heck of a climb after a long walk though and I knew we still had a way to go!

The view from the Temple. Sheringham Hall (private) is the large house in the distance and in the trees above the hall is the Gazebo which is a tall wooden structure which you can climb up. The views of the coast and surrounding area is breathtaking. It's quite a steep climb to the top with lots of steps and I wasn't feel *that* adventurous and fit, especially as there were a number of steep hills throughout the walk!  

We eventually returned to the car absolutely exhausted but we'd had a great time. The children managed the whole trip without arguing. Getting them outdoors and exploring nature always seems to work so well, no matter how much they grumble that we're going on 'yet another boring walk'. I had managed to walk miles without pain and I'd also managed to smash all of my pedometer targets. 

It's one of favourite places to go to in Norfolk and with our National Trust membership parking is free so it wasn't an expensive day out. Very often it's the simple, cheap days out which are enjoyed most. My daughter turns into a teenager later this year and I hope she doesn't stop enjoying trips like this.

This post is linked up with Coombe Mill's Country Kids linky. Click the button below to see more families enjoying the great outdoors.