Exploring the Coastal wonders of Still Southwold
The edge of the crumbling cliff looms perilously close. With a simple touch, an automated blind rises, unveiling a breathtaking view of the tumultuous north Sea, where dark-backed gulls glide overhead and a solitary vessel drifts on the horizon. The sunrise casts a golden hue over the clouds and churning waters.
A Unique Stay at Kraken lodge
I am among the first guests to experience Kraken Lodge at Still Southwold, nestled in Easton Bavents along Suffolk’s coastline. This chic wooden retreat is part of a collection of holiday accommodations situated in an area vulnerable to severe coastal erosion. Owner Anne jones shares insights into life on this rapidly changing coast: over 40 hectares (approximately 100 acres) have been lost due to climate-driven storms, rendering traditional farming unsustainable for her family. In response, they have transformed their land into eco-friendly cottages designed for relocation as needed when faced with rising sea levels. Recent additions include a sauna with ocean views and a beachside ‘dune hut’ offering reflexology sessions amidst nature’s backdrop.
Journeying Through Nature’s Beauty
arriving by train and bus before exploring on foot, I am drawn to the stunning beaches, marshlands, heathlands, and quaint villages nearby. As I approach Still Southwold during sunset,it feels both wild and secluded; lapwings flutter through twilight like oversized bats against an expansive sky.Despite its remote feel, Southwold Pier is merely ten minutes away on foot.
The next morning en route to catch my bus, I notice sprays from crashing waves behind colorful beach huts lining the promenade near the pier—a stark contrast between their vibrant hues and the restless ocean beyond them. This sight raises concerns since today’s path can only be traversed during low tide; ongoing erosion has necessitated rerouting much of the official coastal trail inland due to unstable cliffs.
A Historical Walk Along Kessingland Beach
A short bus ride takes me southward to Kessingland village near Lowestoft where I gather supplies from Bushells bakery. My destination is Rider Haggard Lane—named after author H rider Haggard who penned King Solomon’s Mines while spending summers in his cliff-top holiday home here alongside Rudyard Kipling. to combat coastal encroachment during his time here he planted marram grass; today remnants still protect stretches along this shingle beach dotted with clay layers revealing fossils from ancient steppe mammoths and sabre-toothed cats.
Nearing flood management structures at one end of this shoreline walk reveals warnings from Natural England about impassable routes towards easton Bavents due to erosion risks ahead—an indication that caution is necessary as I navigate washed-up kelp littering parts of my path.
The Encounter with Nature’s Forces
I cross paths with another hiker clad in shorts carrying an old rucksack—the only other person I’ve seen all day—and inquire about conditions ahead: “There’s been quite a storm surge,” he explains while gesturing toward turbulent waters that appear more menacing than usual due north where winds whip across wider expanses creating chaotic waves reminiscent of someone blowing bubbles in tea.” His vivid analogy lingers throughout my trek as milky-brown surf crashes onto sandy shores around me.
The Enchantment Of Benacre Broad And Its History
The serene beauty surrounding Benacre Broad captivates visitors—a looped expanse filled with woods encircling this delicate lake separated from open sea by shifting sands adorned with salt-bleached roots resembling art installations crafted by nature itself! Over centuries past though its shoreline has receded significantly—over 500 meters—and saltwater frequently infiltrates thes bird-rich habitats now threatened further still!
Cultural heritage Amidst Erosion Risks
Sitting atop cliffs overlooking Benacre are remnants belonging once grand medieval church structures known as St Andrew’s Covehithe which now consist solely tall towers dating back centuries alongside smaller thatched buildings housing historical artifacts including intricately carved fonts within decaying arches below them! At lane leading down towards coast stands warning signs indicating closures marking areas where paths abruptly end upon collapsed edges reminding us how fragile our connection remains between land & sea!
A Warm Welcome After A Day Outdoors
An evening spent braving chilly winds along rugged shorelines calls for comfort found within warm walls such as those offered up by Swan Bar located within bustling town center! Here mulled wine infused port awaits eager patrons alongside creamy Baron Bigod brie sourced locally or slow-cooked Blythburgh pork served generously topped off apples making every bite memorable!
Culinary Delights And Scenic Strolls Await You
The following day brings friends together inside Bloom Café wafting delightful aromas fresh scones filling air around us while we stroll leisurely across common grounds heading towards walberswick following marked trails guiding us through Sandlings Walk—a long-distance hike connecting surviving fragments once vast heathlands stretching all way Ipswich! Since medieval times nearly ninety percent original stretches have vanished leaving behind mere echoes past glories…
Reflections On A Journey Through Time And Nature
This autumnal landscape glows vibrantly across Walberswick Common featuring birch trees swaying gently against backdrop fading light . We retrace steps back via boardwalks skirting Dunwich River recalling tales submerged beneath waves—the fabled drowned town akin Suffolk Atlantis ! Today winds calm allowing sounds marsh come alive—from sudden trills Cetti warblers hidden reeds rare songs bearded tit echoing miles whispering grasses surrounding us . Crossing estuary aboard rowing boat ferry leads lunch awaiting harborside Sole Bay Fish Company before returning toward southward direction just as sun begins set casting golden hues upon everything touched light …
Accommodation was graciously provided courtesy Still SouthWOLD (cabins Starting From £617 For Three Nights ) Transport Arranged By Greater anglia (Single Tickets From Norwich To Lowestoft £10 .10 , Advance Singles london To Lowestoft Starting At £17 ).