Text contributed by Lisa and Christina; pics by Simon, Sarah and Lisa.
On a cold night after the AGM last year, Glen casually mentioning a proposed walk in Southwold inspired the idea of a camping trip and this just proves that the best IOG plans are made in the pub.
Fast forward to a sunny Friday afternoon in May which saw us pacing out 6 metre fire break intervals between tents and putting up the all-essential fairy lights and bunting before following Jim on a 4ish-mile walk so that he could prove that Southwold is an island.
Loaded fries and fish and chips on the promenade watching the waves finished the evening off perfectly.
On Saturday morning, us campers had a relaxing breakfast, multiple cups of coffee and even a sneaky round of boules before we set off to meet Glen and his IOG contingent for a circuitous 10ish-mile jaunt around Southwold and Reydon.
The seven IOG members who came up from Ipswich for the day met at Southwold Pier to walk towards Southwold Harbour where they were joined by a dozen happy campers.
The long rows of colourful beach huts – fancy buying one for 85 grand? – and the bright white lighthouse were eye-catching sights, as were the almshouses in Reydon and the genteel country houses and thatched cottages we passed.
We enjoyed a wonderful relaxing lunch stop sitting on the sand near the pier. A quick paddle for a few hardy souls and a bit of stone skimming really added to the holiday atmosphere.
Some of us were lucky enough to see/hear a marsh harrier, swifts, a reed warbler and a reed bunting amongst many other birds. This walk had everything to make it an enjoyable outing.
Sitting on the green in the sun afterwards enjoying drinks with our fellow walkers was so relaxing that the campers stayed there till the evening, eating yet more loaded fries and fish and chips.
Sunday morning was Kate’s turn to lead a 7-mile walk, commencing with a crossing on the “ferry” to Walberswick, which was actually a rowing boat skilfully captained by a lady everyone seemed to know from the telly. One IOGer even asked for her autograph!
Yet more glorious sunshine meant that we were in need of drinks and food back in Southwold before going to the “Under the Pier” amusements for an hour of silliness and laughter. Obligatory ice creams (thank you, Ian) on the pier brought this lovely, relaxing trip to an end.
The Southwold campsite is the perfect location for us. Being right next to the sand dunes (you can hear the waves at night) and a few minutes’ walk from the delights of the town with multiple options for day walks suited us completely. It has been suggested that this becomes an annual event, certainly one I’d be more than happy to repeat.