Norfolk (Trip Report)

[CarltonA]

I have recently returned from a break with quite a lot of railway interest so I thought some members may like to read about it.

Day 1: Drive to Ely to collect friend from the North East. No room in the station car park but there is a Tesco next door with three hours free parking. Had nearly an hour to spare before my friend's train came in from Peterborough so was hoping to see some container trains but there were just happy trains, 170s and 158s. Stansted XC service arrives with friend on board. While she is tolerant of my railway interest I do not try to overdo it so we head off to the Cutter Inn (cunning plan). A good lunch was had with a great seat in the bay window overlooking the river and railway bridge. Now the container stuff starts rattling through.
Next off to the hotel in North Elmham about an hours drive via Downham Market, Swaffham and Dereham. Manage to take wrong turn in Dereham and cross rail line into a trading estate and get glimpse of Mid Norfolk stock before getting it right and heading north. TBC...

 

[Techniquest]

Welcome to the trip report writing community! I'm looking forward to the rest when it comes along!

A female friend who is tolerant of the hobby? I'm glad I sat down!

 

[CarltonA]

Cont/... We arrive at the hotel and get settled in before getting our walking kit on. A few minutes walk gets us to the level crossing at North Elmham. The permissive path to the south has now been closed by the Mid Norfolk Railway as they are gradually restoring the track. We set off in the northerly direction, at first the track is still in place mostly of LNER 1940s vintage. After the station area a siding continues for a distance, this track is much older and mostly of GER origin, some chairs are as old as the 1870s.
We stroll for a while and eventually sight County School station in the distance. The track starts again and we carry on to the crossing gates. A 1950s DMU is stabled in the platform or half of one anyway. Inside is a dummy of a sailor for some reason. We have a good look around. The tea room had closed for the season, it is a bit remote to attract custom other than in school holidays I would think. Beyond the station is a signal box looking in a sorry condition. Picking up a handy walk leaflet we navigate to the main road and turn onto a path taking us past some interesting old buildings and into the village.
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DAY 2: Set off for Holt via Melton Constable. Had not researched Melton though I knew it was once home to a works and shed on the M&GN. Managed to find Station Road but there was not much to see. Carried on into Holt and onto the North Norfolk Station in plenty of time for the 11:15. We headed off to Sheringham with Mayflower on the front. After a walk around and Haddock and chips in the Sheringham Trawler, we returned, again with Mayflower to Holt.
We then headed to Wells-next-the sea passing what I think was the old station. No time for the light railway this time unfortunately.

 

[Techniquest]

Quite the nice little adventure, very much unexplored territory between Dereham and Sheringham for me.

 

[CarltonA]

Quite the nice little adventure, very much unexplored territory between Dereham and Sheringham for me.

Yes, I had only ben around there once before. It takes a bit of effort to explore the area as it is all back roads and the M&GN is long gone.

DAY 3: Headed east avoiding Fakenham to The Burnhams. After calling into The Hoste where Lord Nelson lived for a while we go to the coast. Lunch in Hunstanton which lost it's branch in 1969 then south towards King's Lynn. Time for another crafty railway diversion. Turned off the main road and arrived at Wolferton Royal Station. This is where the royal family used to alight for Sandringham. This was well worth the visit, the owner has kept the place in immaculate condition and allows the public to wander around. We found him in his workshop and he was very happy to chat to the public. The signal box opposite and the level crossing gates are all in superb condition. Afterwards, we called into King's Lynn but I kept away from the station on this occasion.

 

[Techniquest]

Wolferton sounds like a good place to see, I expect it's difficult to do without driving mind.

Certainly I've been inspired to head over to East Anglia again

 

[CarltonA]

Wolferton sounds like a good place to see, I expect it's difficult to do without driving mind.

Yes, the station will be difficult to reach by public transport. There will be buses to Hunstanton passing on the main road but Wolferton is some distance down a side turning.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolferton_railway_station

 

[Kite159]

Sounds like a good few days in a part of the world I want to try and explore