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Cantley to Brundall Walk (1 Viewer)

Karl J

Well-known member
Cantley To Brundall Walk

Take OS 134 and find your way to the footpath at TG380 035 in Cantley (train services from Norwich, Gt Yarmouth and Lowestoft), bear right at the river and the path now runs alongside the River Yare for about 4 miles to Buckenham train station (never known a train to stop there though). Without crossing the railway line here follow the lane turning left which skirts the edge of Strumpshaw RSPB and goes over a level crossing up the lane a bit. The reserve reception is at TG342 065, which is well worth a look any time of year. From here another footpath takes you past a house at TG339 070 and back onto the main lane leading to Brundall from where you can get the train back to Norwich, Yarmouth or Lowestoft. A total of about 7 miles, or 10 miles if you include the walk round the reserve.

A really good area for birdwatching all year round in what is also quite a scenic area: flat, open landscape, river, farms etc.
Wintertime is good for waterfowl : Wigeon, Teal, Pochard etc and various sp. of Goose : Greylag, Bean, Whitefront, also Egyptian & Canada with some flocks well into the 1000's. For the geese you may do well to take a detour along the footpath in Cantley from TG 385 038 via 392 033 and on to 389 031.
In spring / summertime the area has nesting waders inc. Avocet, Redshank, Oystercatcher plus warblers such as Cetti's, Reed, Sedge and Grasshopper. You should also find various Larks, Tits, Finches, Buntings etc and probable all year are Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Barn Owl plus the usual farmland birds. Lapwing, Swallow, Grey Heron, Gulls etc. Poss. also Sparrowhawk, 3 sp. Woodpecker, Short Eared Owl, Hen Harrier, Hobby in summer.
Summertime also has the reserves' flower meadow open with various wildflowers & orchids and plenty of butterflies & dragonflies.

Allow most of the day for a good look round inc. the reserve. If you're into making lists you should find 50 - 60 quite possible, depending on your luck of course. There are 3 hides at the reserve and another 1 at Buckenham marsh, by the old mill.

PS
Birdwatching Mag had a similar walk recently, circular taking in Buckenham, Cantley and Hassingham. Personally I'd rather take in the reserve than go round much the same area twice, but that is another alternative. Also I wouldn't walk toward Cantley because you end up looking at both the sun, and that blot on the landscape known as Cantley sugarbeet factory.
 
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