Alton Reservoir

8.6 miles Sunday walk around Alton Water, one of the last sunny Sundays in 2023 before the long cold winter.

After weeks and weeks of heavy rain, many Suffolk villages flooded and every news channel only talking about the weather turning even worst, finally one sunny weekend day when we can stretch our legs out.

It’s important to consider some factors when planning a weekend walk. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind: Before heading out, check the local weather forecast and any relevant advisories or warnings. Make sure it’s safe to be outside and that the trail or area you plan to visit is accessible and not flooded or dangerous. Choose well-drained trails: Opt for trails that are known to have good drainage to minimize the risk of encountering muddy or waterlogged paths. Look for trails with gravel or firm surfaces that are less likely to become excessively muddy. Plan shorter routes: Given the wet conditions, it may be wise to select shorter walks or modify your usual routes. This way, you can assess the conditions and turn back if necessary before committing to a longer trek. Stay on designated paths: Stick to established trails to avoid damaging sensitive habitats or worsening erosion. Straying from paths in wet conditions can lead to further damage to trails and surrounding vegetation. Stay safe: Be cautious on slippery surfaces and around bodies of water that may have high flows or hidden hazards due to recent rains. Keep a safe distance from riverbanks or coastal areas if there is a risk of flooding or unstable ground.

Well, that being said, us being overly happy that we can finally get back to the habit of weekend walking we decided to go and visit Alton Water Reservoir. As the parking areas are closing shortly after 15:00 at winter time, we decided to park in the village at the pub. We knew the walk will be at least 8 miles (at least 4 hours for us, me taking photos) and there is no way you can cut it down. We managed to do the full planned walk, but saying that we were exhausted is an understatement. We had a stop at the shop and had a lovely lunch, some hot drinks. On the way back we even get to the local church in Tattingstone.