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The Wensum Way
The 12 mile Wensum Way passes through some beautiful central Norfolk landscape, much of it alongside or close to the river that gives the trail its name. The River Wensum, which takes its name from Old English word for ‘winding’, is a designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The Wensum Way links the Nar Valley Way at Gressenhall with the Marriott’s Way at Lenwade, passing through rural landscape between Gressenhall and Swanton Morley, then following the river valley, abundant with wildlife, through to Lenwade. Along the way, take in outstanding views, picturesque villages and historic sites.
Penny Spot Beck is a minor watercourse that is entirely in the of the County of Norfolk. This small short Beck rises in within the Parish of Dereham ½ mile south of the village of Swanton Morley. The Beck is a tributary of the River Wensum. The Headwater is a small pool in a field 50 feet (15 m) south west of the intersection of Tuddenham and Norwich Roads, from here the Beck flows east and then NE across open farmland where various streams and ditches contribute to its flow. After a distance of 2.6 miles (4.2 km) joins the River Wensum.
The picturesque village of Elsing, named after ‘Elesa’, a Danish chieftain who appears on the village sign, is notable for its 14th century St Mary’s Church, Rectory and Guildhall. The church has a pillar-less nave, the widest of any parish church in the region, and is noted for its fine brass memorial commemorating the life of Sir Hugh Hastings, the Lord of the Manor and church’s patron. One of the church’s most famous visitors was T E Lawrence (‘of Arabia’ fame) who came here on a cycling tour in 1905. Opposite the church stands the an historic pub that dates back to the 16th century.
Elsing Hall, a moated 15th century hall that once belonged to the Hastings family, can be found a little way off the route to the southwest of the village. Its gardens are open to groups of visitors of 20 or more by prior arrangement. Elsing Mill is just a short detour from the trail, a little way north of the village by the river. Although no longer working, this was one of several mills that used to operate along the course of the River Wensum. Originally built as a paper mill in the early 19th century, it was later used to make animal feed before conversion into a private dwelling in the late 20th century.
Land at Elsing was purchased as one of the Woodland Trusts, Woods on your doorstep projects to create a new community woodland in Norfolk. Harnser wood lies on the western edge of Elsing village to provide a valuable area for Public recreation, local wildlife, and become an important feature in the landscape. The surrounding area is predominantly arable, with small isolated patches of woodland scattered throughout.
The site was named to commemorate the partnership between the Woodland Trust and the Norfolk Women's institute, who were heavily involved in the site through fundraising. The harnser being another name for the Heron which is the logo for the Norfolk WI. A small car parking area is available for 1 or two cars at the entrance, however parking is available in the village and at the village hall.
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Cache Information
This cache is part of the Wensum Way Geocaching Series placed by the Norfolk Trails.
This cache is a hanging bison tube. BYOP. Tweezers would be useful for some caches.
Parking is available at Swanton Morley Church or Elsing
Please replace the cache exactly where it was found and take care around muggles
For more information on the Wensum Way and other great walking to be had in Norfolk visit the Norfolk Trails Website
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