Walk the Walks

On the edge of Historic Lynn is an open area of park called “The Walks”, and the first question I had about them was - why are they called The Walks? Well it seems that back in the 18th Century the rich considered it cool to promenade and needed somewhere nice to walk and be seen. And so they planned tree lined walks - paved with gravel to raise them above the marsh land that surrounded Lynn. Hence we still have “The Walks” which are a nationally listed landscape.

So much for history - what do they feel like? Well. I’ve been here for about 8 months, so have seen them in late summer, fall, winter, and now as spring makes itself felt, and in all those seasons they’ve been a quiet and relaxing, and invigorating and bright.

Entering the park from the west, you are presented with a long tree-lined avenue with a stream running on your right, and leading to a low stone structure. As you approach this it becomes clear that this is an old stone gate and bridge, which was once part of the town walls. Just the other side of the wall the water course has been made to form a small island with a band stand. Further along the area to the left opens up and is a large expanse of green where people play impromptu football games, throw ball and push their prams. This area is surrounded by impressive trees, and has the feel of being separate from the rest of The Walks. In the winter, during a really wet spell, this area was so waterlogged that pools developed and there were ducks and gulls on them! The whole area around Lynn used to be marsh land, and you could see then why the 18th century avenues were raised from the surrounding land - we wouldn’t want the gentry getting their feet wet, would we?

Coming to the other end of the Walks, and turning left, we get to the grand avenue, which is the smartest in terms of trees and street furniture, with elegant lighting and ironwork benches. I hear that the local council spent many millions restoring this area, and here it really looks like it was money well spent. Walking along here there is a children’s playground on the left, and then a small café.

Further along, and there is a raised area of land with an ancient looking structure - this is called “The Red Mound” and is a tiny circular chapel, and sign on it says Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount 1485. I hear it’s open to the public from time to time, but have yet to actually get there when it is.

We then pass St Johns church, and come to a formal garden which is known as St James Park, and its centrepiece of a stone fountain. There are pretty formal plantings here and is well cared for, and also well used when the sun is out.

It takes maybe 30 minutes to walk slowly round The Walks, and you get to see ancient architecture, old trees, rivers flowing, people playing and walking, abundant birds life and occasional squirrels - all in one neat historic bundle.