Covehithe is situated on the north Suffolk coast between Lowestoft and Southwold.  It is a remote spot and this walk visits the Benacre National Nature Reserve with its reed beds and saline lagoons that are home to many breeding birds.  The walk commences at St Andrew church, which is a remarkable sight as the former great church was derelicted in 1672 by the villagers as they could no longer afford the upkeep of the building.  A smaller thatched church was built within the old walls.  It is still in use today.  This is one of the fastest eroding stretches of coastline in Britain and it is quite likely that within the next 50 years this church will join others that have fallen into the sea!

St Andrew church, Covehithe
The present church was built within the walls of the former building
More information can be found here

The church tower

This path leads to the beach

A flock of noisy Canada geese

We reach Benacre nature reserve
More information may be found here

One of the lagoons

Beattie has to go back on the lead!

The geese have been disturbed!

Beattie waits patiently whilst I take photographs

The beach at Covehithe

The eroding cliffs can be seen clearly here

A close-up view

Beattie is more interested in what she can find to eat!

A lone runner passes us

It's a calm day

Incoming tide

The shadows are lengthening

One last photo ...

The only way back is to retrace our steps

Back at the church
It has been an enjoyable walk

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Comment from Gary
Lovely photos Derek, there's always something special about blue skies and sandy beaches ...

Comment from Anonymous
Another set of lovely photos to remember your walk by.
What fun you have on your walks. Perhaps you'll have to do a 'Wainwright' and publish a set of walks in Suffolk/Norfolk suitable for dog walkers.
 

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Photographs taken with a Fuji MX-2900 Zoom or a Canon EOS 20D
Copyright © 2009 Derek Cockell     All Rights Reserved