When I’m after a bit of an escape, I love to visit Redgrave and Lopham Fen and the surrounding Waveney Valley along the Suffolk / Norfolk border. I generally drive there rather than go on the pushbike, but it is ideal cycling country with its flat, narrow lanes. The Fen is well signposted from the A1066 between Bressingham and South Lopham, and is a rare and beautiful wetland reserve where you can unwind with a gentle walk.

I generally go there in bad weather. This probably sounds mad, but I love the fog and the snow and always take my trusty little camera with which to capture the beautiful scenery. It is one of the most tranquil places I know, which I’m sure is largely thanks to its international protection. There’s scrub, woodland, open fen and open water, and it’s home to the fen raft spider, a herd of Polish Konik ponies and a flock of Hebridean sheep.

There’s a visitor centre there, usually open at weekends, and often activities for youngsters. Hot drinks and yummy cakes at the end of a walk are always welcome, although I tend to go there on my own during the week, just for the peace and quiet.

Image courtesy of sleepy_tree on Flickr