FKT: Tom Wake - Norfolk Coastal Path (UK) - 2020-10-10

Athletes
Route variation
Hunstanton to Hopton on Sea (83mi)
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Male
Style
Supported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
13h 32m 55s
GPS track(s)
Report

Setting off at 7am from Hunstanton, the conditions appeared to be perfect with a tailwind and a great sunrise over the coast. However, this quickly descended into a morning of constant rain. The trails were muddy underfoot and whilst this route looks fairly straightforward from the map, the mix of terrain makes for some tough running. With stretches of shingle, beach, high and low tides obstructing the path to consider, as well as sand dunes, energy is soon sapped from the legs and this makes it hard going whilst trying to keep the pace up. The rain disappeared in the afternoon and I was treated to spells of sunshine with rainbows out over the sea whilst seals slept on the beaches.

I was supported along the route by my wife Pip and our son George by car to resupply with food and water. My friend Will Law accompanied me for 10 miles between Salthouse and Cromer and it was during this time that reigning self-supported FKT holder Carmine De Grandis appeared on a bike to cheer me on. It was a great day out, hard work but rewarding with some stunning coastal views.