River Wensum Wander
   A grey but warm 23°C along the River Wensum today, with a 7 mph westerly breeze pushing the real-feel up to a balmy 25°C.
   Setting off along the riverside towpath, the wildlife immediately put on a show. A small blue butterfly danced through the bramble flowers, and an impressive pied wagtail swooped past—a rare treat to see one mid-flight rather than strutting on the turf. A pair of elegant swans sailed serenely by, contrasting sharply with the chaotic feral pigeons perched on every available structure.

   As a few small powerboats hummed along the water, I paused to photograph a family of nearly fully grown geese. Moments later, an unusual coffee-bike appeared, the vendor pedalling his large, box-shaped stall and offering a wide grin for the camera. White butterflies fluttered thickly through the riverbank wildflowers, and a parade of local dogs trotted past—first a unique Jack Russell crossbreed, followed later by a purebred pup whose owner was entirely glued to his mobile phone.

  Reaching the Lady Julian Bridge, the pigeon population exploded, undoubtedly drawn by the scraps from the nearby riverside restaurants. On the path, a massive herring gull was actively bullying the local pigeons, wielding a terrifyingly hooked beak. I ducked into the welcome, cooling shade of a row of weeping willows, watching hundreds more noisy gulls wheeling around the town centre tower blocks in the distance. Rounding the final bend, I reached the Norwich Football Club ground and snapped a quick picture of the stadium before turning back to meet Margaret, drinking in the gorgeous river panorama all over again.

Clean Stats
Distance: 2.51 miles
Duration: 54 minutes
Google Fit: 26 heart points

Copyright ©️ Text, photographs and videos Written by John Yeo – All rights reserved.