We drove out to Shingle Street while we were in Suffolk. If ever you feel like escaping to the middle of nowhere and stepping into what feels like a film set of ruggedness and wilderness then this is your place to go. As soon as we walked up to the beach, hiding behind tall grasses and cow parsley, we were taken aback by its glorious views.
The curving bays; the outstretched shingle walkway that is known as 'Shingle Street'; the undulating beach with its ridged sweep of crests and waves that continue and echo with the sea; the shades and hues cast from the sea and sky all add to the spectacular views. Neverending valleys of shingle stretch from the sea in the south right up to the north and a row of whitewashed cottages.
A storm was brewing in the east and the sun was glistening in the west, the sky and sea culminating in a drama of turquoise, blues, greens, greys ever moving as the clouds shifted. Sea kale formations make striking natural structures, which add to the drama of the landscape.
Pretty white flowers of the sea kale.
Underneath the succulent, silver foliage of the sea kale you will find an array of purple stems, beautiful on their own.
I began to imagine living in one of these whitewashed cottages, stepping out each morning to watch the drama unfold. There are lots of tales of smugglers in these parts and I could feel my own Suffolk version of Daphne du Maurier's Jamaica Inn coming on!
A local lady stopped to chat on the beach and told us she thinks it is the most beautiful place in the world, with everchanging landscapes. It changes second by second, minute by minute and I have to agree it is definitely in that category.
Little poppies have seeded themselves here and there adding a splash of bright yellow and softening the view.
Sea weed washed up on the stones adds a bit of greenery closer to the sea.
Sea campion give a simple oasis of colour splashed here and there.
Near to the shore I spotted little pieces of natural debris washed up by the sea. I love the natural art forms they make.
As we finish our wander and return back in land, the beach is flanked by Pyrenean cranesbill, grasses and cow parsley, adding their own charm to this area of natural beauty.
There are raised pathways along the coast and into the marshes and you feel like you could walk on forever and ever... You want to discover where they can take you, but that is for another day.
On our way back through the countryside I spotted the most beautiful wildflower meadow, full of ox eye daisies that just looked like a froth of snow. I made Rob stop the car to take some photos then we spotted yellow hammers dipping and delving in the sand! I was delighted we had stopped the car, sometimes you just need to stop and observe quietly for a minute or two and you might be given a rare treat.
I suddenly looked up after watching the birds and glanced the most unusual view across the horizon: a spectre of a ship shimmering on the distant turqouise waters. It looked as though it was just sitting above a house and over the rolling meadows!
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