Stage 1 - Lowestoft to Bury St Edmunds

Grannies and their friends were welcome to join Beryl, especially on the circular walks. Julia was delighted to collect donations to the Granny Trek fund for Children's Hospice South West.

The Granny Trek team arrived at Outney Meadow Caravan Park in Bungay late afternoon on Friday the 27th.  On Bank Holiday Saturday morning they met up with well-wishers at 9-00 and Beryl  dipped her toe in the North Sea at the harbour.  Local dance troupe The Jumping Jax joined family and friends, including Beccles resident Lionel Hardy who had worked hard to arrange circular walks on the first two or three days to help Granny Trek off to a good start. The party set off from South Pier at 9-40am and walked to Oulton Broad.

Lionel (01502 16253) had arranged a circular walk (4.5-4.75 miles) from the Harbourmaster's Office at Oulton Broad (GR TM520926) to Carlton Marshes, where Beryl, Rudi and Fritz continued forward on the Granny Trek with Glenys Westacott of Waveney Ramblers, while the walking group looped back to their start point. Following the Angles Way, Beryl and Glenys walked the first day to Beccles.

On Sunday the 29th Lionel had planned a circular walk of 4.25 miles in the Beccles/Barsham area, meeting Beryl at The Dell car park near Beccles town sign on the Bungay road (GR TM418899) ready for a 10-30 start.  Lionel walked with Beryl and the dogs from Barsham, finishing their 10 miles at Earsham.  Bank Holiday Monday Beryl continued following the Angles Way to Harleston.

On Tuesday the 31st a figure of eight walk - 5 miles or 5+5 miles, started at 10 am from St Cross, South Elmham, on the South Elmham Hall Estate (Batemans Barn GR 308833).  Leaders were Bob Flatt (01986 788663) and Brenda Le Grys (01379 852572).  The Granny Trek team are immensely grateful to Lionel Hardy and his Ramblers' Association friends for enthusiastic help.  Many thanks.

The team motorhome moved to Honeypot Caravan Park, Wortham, on Tuesday 31st May . On Wednesday Beryl walked from Harleston to Diss and Thursday continued to Hopton.

On Friday, 3rd June, there was a 3 mile circular walk at Walsham le Willows, starting from the village car park (TM002712).  This walk was led by Joyce Walden (01449 615591)

On Saturday Beryl completed the Angles Way at Knettishall Heath Country Park, continuing on the Icknield Way to a point on the A134 named D House. On Sunday Beryl, Fritz and Rudi completed the first stage to Bury St Edmunds. A big thank you to John Andrews of Bury St Edmunds for his invaluable help with the route.

A circular walk was planned for Monday, the 6th June arranged by Rosie Perham (01284 702439).  David Chandler (01284 701033) kindly agreed to lead this 5 mile (approx) walk, starting from Nowton Park car park.

The Granny Trek team were parked at The Three Tuns, Cowlinge, for four nights (3rd 4th 5th and 6th June) as guests of Leslie and Derren Williams, moving to Castle Camps on the evening of 7th June.

The team say a heartfelt thank you to all our overnight hosts for their support.