Leisurely 9.2 miles-Sun 20/07@9:45am Holme Hale, Houghton (MURALS!), Pickenhams.

Welcome to Hike Norfolk Ramblers.

IMPORTANT: Whether you are new or a regular, please read this entire event description before signing up. If after signing up you can no longer make it, please edit your rsvp to "Not Going" asap.

Are you fit enough & have the right equipment?
Before signing up, please ensure that you (and your dog if applicable) have the necessary fitness and equipment to complete this walking event safely and as scheduled. If you have any questions, please message the event host or comment.

• Grade: LEISURELY
• Distance: 9.2 miles
• Walking Pace: 3.0 mph for the above distance
• Terrain: Mostly flat with some gentle slopes
• Surface: Country footpaths and tracks, with some road walking and pavements
• Required Equipment: Appropriate walking boots and clothing for the event and weather conditions, including plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and snacks/lunch
• Dogs: Always on a short lead and well-behaved welcome

When & Where
Date: Sunday 20th July
Start Time: Ready to walk at 9:45am for registration & safety talk
Parking:
Holme Hale Village Hall, School Road, Holme Hale, IP25 7DP
(See pin in location map below)
Parking What3Words: charts.assorted.melon
Car Park Charges: Free
Meeting Point: At above car parking
Meeting Point W3W: As above
End Time: 3:30pm (Approximately)

Walk Description
Please join us on a 9.2 mile walk featuring Holme Hale, North and South Pickenham, and Houghton on the Hill, including church murals tour!

We will make our way through Holme Hale to North Pickenham via quiet lanes and footpaths, for our first break at North Pickenham Community Hub. They are very kindly opening the café for us (they don't usually open on Sundays) and will be serving hot drinks, sweet and savoury snacks and there are toilets available. Dogs are allowed outside and in the corridor areas. We will spend a decent amount of time here so that people can enjoy their snacks at a relaxed pace. We will then carry on through South Pickenham to St. Mary's church at Houghton on the Hill where we will have our lunch. This church is an absolute gem with lovely gardens and murals on the walls inside. One of the church volunteers has very kindly agreed to open the church earlier than usual to give us a tour of the murals, so we will have a slightly extended lunch break so as not to feel rushed. As they are making a lovely effort to accommodate us, they would really appreciate a church donation :-)

Approximate Breaks: Please bring your own packed lunch and snacks as required, and plenty of water/drinks to stay hydrated throughout the walk.

• 3.0 miles - 45 minute drink/snack break
• 6.5 miles - 45 minutes lunch break

Walk specific health and safety: There are no cattle on this route. If it rains in the days before the walk certain areas may be muddy. At the time of recceing, all footpaths were clear and there were no thistles and brambles. There is one road crossing where we have to take extra care.

After the walk: You are welcome to join us for a post hike drink at The Windmill Inn, Mill Street, Necton, PE37 8EN. This is a five minute drive away. What3Words: chair.trader.dumpling

Other important and useful general information

• Cost
  Hike Norfolk are part of the Ramblers Charity so if you are a Ramblers member this event is free. Please bring your membership card or a photo showing your card and membership number to all events as we do spot checks periodically. New members are welcome to try any 3 Ramblers events before joining. You can join here Join the Ramblers.
• Guests
  If you are a Ramblers member and would like to bring a guest as a potential new member who is not already on meetup, then please either let the host know in advance the name of your guest, either by direct message or by commenting in the event. Guests can come to 3 events before joining.
• Toilets
  Some of our walks have access to toilets at the start and sometimes on route. However, in the main, it's a case of using nature's toilet. If you wish to use the facilities, please let the back marker know and they will ensure you don't get left behind and allow you to catch up with the group.
• If there is an injury or problem during a walk
  Please let one of the walk leaders or back marker know asap. Do not try to deal with it by yourself.
• What to do when walking past live stock
  Try to be as quiet as possible and do not make loud or sudden movements. Always follow the instructions given by the walk leader.
• What if I am struggling on a walk?
  It is very important that we stay together as a group so please do not allow gaps to form and stay close to the person in front. If the person in front is slowing up and a gap starts forming then please pass them and catch up. If you are struggling for whatever reason please let the nearest leader near you know or let the back marker know asap so that we can help. Never leave the walk without letting a leader know.
• Questions
  If you have any questions please either message the event host directly (usually the quickest way to get a response), or comment in the event description (2nd quickest), or send an email to hikenorfolk@gmail.com.