We wanted a place to let Dog do his doggy stuff and headed for a small hamlet called Covehithe. It has some eponymous cliffs and a stretch of lovely sand so, well, why not.
First there’s the ruined church of St Andrew, redolent of mystery tales and ghost stories – well it was until Dog decided to christen Martin Jolly (1813 to 1864) while I was setting up a rather arty shot. Never work with dogs…
Leaving the church rather more quickly that we intended we scuttled past some snorting pigs – this part of Suffolk is Pig heaven – Big Sow Country if you like – and headed for the beach.
Southwold, to the South, loomed out of the mist.
There are reed beds aplenty hereabouts. The seas runs across shingle banks and creates brackish lakes that are nirvana for migrating wildfowl and bird life generally.
Once over the lip of the marshland though the wind really announced its presence – as you’ll hear in this video clip.
I managed to capture Dog in mid flight – what has distracted him I wonder?
One of the things this stretch is well known for is the fallen trees from the cliffs that erode further to the south and wash up here.
Apparently the land around Covehithe has eroded by 500 metres between 1830 and 2001. They are sometimes made into informal sculptures…
…. and sometimes they are left to rot away.
Signs warn you to take care.
Indeed by now the incoming tide was making itself as present as the wind so we about turned and headed for the car and coffee and cake. Always welcome after a stroll.
TanGental 
WONDERFUL post, Geoff! What a fabulous place! I am so far from the sea here, for the first time in my life. You just made me realise how much I miss it at times. Iove wild windy beach walks. Your little doggy was having a super time… particularly love that action shot! 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
I struck lucky there. Yes, a windy beach on a clear day has a lot to recommend it. It’s never the same, a constantly moving canvas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely post! Quite made my day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooo so kind; given your recent glorious pictures of the burgeoning Greek spring that’s a real compliment!
LikeLike
Oh I love the English countryside. The light is so beautiful, different from Greece
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s rarely one thing – well just now it’s the colour of old duvets but as a general rule it’s varied!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved this post, Geoff. There is just something about the beach on a windy day. I love the sea and enjoyed the shots of the crashing waves. Loved seeing Dog come legging it into the picture too! I do like a brisk walk along the coast, wrapped up warm, and getting a load of the sea air! Thanks for sharing this with us 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad Judy. It’s very invigorating for sure and a perfect way to earn that piece of cake!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice shots, good to see a local here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We love it up this way; how local is local, Simon?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m in Suffolk, near the Cambridgeshire border
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah ha. Splendid. We may cross paths one time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We may. Those pictures of the old railway bridge, where is that?
LikeLiked by 1 person
In this post? Do you mean the view through one of the church windows? Sorry if I am being obtuse!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I mean the one in this post:
https://geofflepard.com/2016/02/17/a-little-light-relief-part-five/
LikeLiked by 1 person
en you stay you can ask him!
LikeLiked by 1 person
ok 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Opps that went wrong. The tunnel is part of the disused high level railway to crystal palace that’s in the middle of Sydenham Hill woods in south London
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I see… a way from here then.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Part of a London experience!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful post and photos. I share your love of the beach on a wild windswept day. And so does my dog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect place to be, isn’t it!? So much character…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely true
LikeLiked by 1 person
An empty beach gets me to daydreaming! Looks like a wonderful day for you and Dog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was splendid even if the North Sea wind does nip at the neck a touch.
LikeLike
That’s just Nature saying hello.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t the beach just the most wonderful place to be – no matter the weather you always return invigorated and enlivened and smelling of salty air and just a little crusty …… Great photos and especially Dog in mid run [how did you manage that?] he looks so happy 🙂 That’s an awful lot of birds in the first video and I see Dog even managed a video-bomb in the second one. He’s a clever boy!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dog take his vanity seriously so tries had to be in every shot! And yes the crunch of waves on shingle is one of the most de-stressing noises I know Lie on a beach and let the cares wash away. As for Dog I mid air, just struck lucky I guess…
LikeLike
The wind-whipped videos and a perfect stroll… whatever distracted Dog, it led to a great shot. 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
I struck both lucky and pay dirt, didn’t I. Glad you enjoyed
LikeLike
A great place, Geoff. You have reminded me that we need to visit there again soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Do, it’s timeless and excellen
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glorious, indeed! What a lake full of birds and a beach full of wonder. Dog is handsome in his shots and video appearance (he looked to be saying, “Busy, Dad…”). I had to watch the surf several times. The cliff sign cracked me up, so formal and comprehensive. Over here, we’re like “Danger sliding cliffs.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes this area just oozes both trees and politeness. Dog is in his element that’s for sure
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is no sound like waves on pebbles, that whoosh and ripple. Close your eyes… And Dog is gorgeous.
LikeLike
Some excellent photos here. I’d rather like to see a post or two from the dogs perspective…. See if he enjoys these wonderful walks as much as you 😋
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well since he’ll undoubtedly want to sleep with you when you stay you can ask him!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay cuddles! Although I prefer the kitties! 😋
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the kitties are more likely companions in truth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent pics and text
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Derrick.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Given we lived near the sea for the last five years this just tells me how much I’m missing it. Those wonderful windy days along the coast are truly refreshing. Toby loves the beach (especially licking the wet sand), so he’ll be as glad to get back to living by the sea as we will.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is something special in the shore, isn’t there? Love the idea of Toby licking the sand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
To him, that’s like me liking to lick a ‘ FAB’ lollypop.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing dog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great action shot of the running pooch!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It took him hours to get it right! As if…
LikeLike
Ah-ha! Video is what I should have done with my fleeting storks, Geoff, but I seldom think of using my phone with my camera to hand. (note to self for next time 🙂 ) Love the shot of ‘bounding’ dog 🙂 Thanks for joining me again. Happy weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed!
LikeLike
Gorgeous photos. Absolutely love the ruins but the beach ones are beautiful, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sarah. We haven’t been in ages, maybe four years to this section so it was a treat to go back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And then you dry!
LikeLiked by 1 person
that’s right – very important
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not forgetting behind the ears!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Jo’s Monday walk : Rocha da Pena | restlessjo
Glorious Suffolk indeed…thanks for the reminder, lovely pics and post Geoff 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: May 11: Flash Fiction Challenge « Carrot Ranch Communications