Radio Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

There was a follow up piece on local radio this morning with Allison Fearns. Click on the link below and go to 46 minutes into the programme.

Allison Ferns on BBC Radio Kent - 28/09/2025 - BBC Sounds

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 Job done!

Today, I was enthralled, and at the same time disappointed by, what the coastline between Sea Palling and Caister had to offer.

The first 7 miles of my run engaged me with the flat, sandy path behind the dunes before connecting with a windy track through a site of scientific interest around Winterton. No sign of the diverse flora and fauna promised on the information boards - natterjack toads, dragonflies, insects, bracken, moss, lichen and rare grasses. 

As I ran, at a reasonable pace, parallel to the sea and dunes, I reflected on Denis Spashett (my friend and athletics coach) who inspired my running career and accompanied me on a highly memorable training weekend on the Winterton dunes circa 1978.

As I surveyed the beach at Hemsby, I came to the conclusion that the cliff collapse would preclude my onward passage. I was advised by the lady in the chip shop, that continuing on the road would be dangerous; so I retired to a cafe for a coffee and kit kat and awaited Nobby's arrival.

A slight anticlimax to conclude the challenge, but I still felt a great sense of achievement, combined with very tired legs!

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 Friday 26th September - 

Sea Palling to Caister

The sixth and final stage! I'm so pleased and relieved to have got this far; it has been a bigger challenge, mentally and physically, than I had anticipated. The terrain has been a far greater issue than expected; stony paths, shingle and sand have not been easy to run on. Once I got beyond Cromer, simply finding my way has been a challenge at times as the quality of the trail and the signposting have deteriorated sharply. Frequent diversions and unclear signage have made life very frustrating and I have occasionally resorted to running on roads where necessary. I'm not sure what to expect today. Nonetheless, the rewards have been fantastic scenery and beautiful views, as well as, of course, a great sense of achievement.

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 Sun, sea and sand, and sand, and sand...

A beautiful morning, but I had been studying the map, and it looked like there would be lots of running on the beach; which is not good. So I don't know why I'm smiling in this photo!

My overriding intention was to 'stay high' on top of the cliffs rather than subject my body to further slip-sliding on the shingle beach akin to 'Dancing on Ice'. My worst nightmare was realised within 20 minutes of setting off; brushing a thistle aside on a narrow track, I was stung by a wasp. Fortunately, I was able to neutralise the potency of the sting by covering my finger with saliva (just as effective as urine!), thereby avoiding anaphylactic shock.

Today's run incorporated a myriad of different coastal features; both natural and man-made. The prize for the greatest eyesore went to Bacton gas terminal; enormous metal structures looming from the coastal dune environment like an observatory in the final scenes of a James Bond film. Tourism has also secured a claim on this section of coast with countless static homes littering grassy, flat plains right up to the cliff edge. On occasions, I would catch sight of the highly distinctive red and white striped lighthouse at Happisburgh, keeping me on course for my rendez-vous with Nobby.

The highlight of this leg of The Long Run were the miraculously designed sea defences - a combination of recurved sea walls, rip rap and revetements. How invigorating it was to run along the concrete steps and witness the crashing of the destructive waves and the human failure to tame their majestic power.

All in all, a testing run on multiple surfaces; I was so glad to see my trusty companion Nobby and even more pleased when he handed over a bottle of Lucozade (other brands of energy drink are available) and two fulsome granary rolls.

Tired, but elated at having completed Stage 5!

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Thursday 25th September

Trimingham to Sea Palling

Well, I don't know what to expect today. The trail stays close to the sea; it appears from what I have read that there is a mixture of cliff top, sea defence wall and beach. There is a closure and diversion at Happisburgh; hopefully, the signage for this is better than yesterday!

Today's run should be about 12.5 miles; I hope it doesn't end up being too much longer!

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Coastal erosion and 

confusing diversions!

Today's leg was both harder and longer than we anticipated! It started well enough in fine weather at Weybourne and was enjoyble much of the way, with some good views. However, beyond Cromer things got confusing. The stretch from Overstrand to Trimingham was a challenge. Due to the coastal erosion the trail has been diverted in some places, and wasn't always well signposted. To make matters worse, when I was on the beach below the cliffs I had no phone signal, so no chance of a call to Nobby for guidance! After running on the beach for a stretch, only to have to retrace my steps, I finally got back on track with the help of a young surfer, and made my way up to the cliff top again.

It was a relief to finally meet Nobby on the cliff top outside Trimingham. Today's distance should have been 12 miles, but I must have done at least 13!

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Wednesday 24th September - Weybourne to Trimmingham

Today I leave the salt marshes, mudflats and tidal creeks behind. The path becomes more undulating, with at least one steep climb at Beeston Bump, just beyond Sheringham. Much of the route is inland apparently, so the scenery will range from seashore to cliffs, to woodlands,  and passes through the towns of Sheringham and Cromer.

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 Salt marsh, sea and shingle!

Raring to go!

I departed from Wells-next-the-Sea under cloudy skies, with a stiff northerly breeze to match my stiff legs.Splendid views in all directions, and I managed to negotiate my way through large groups of ramblers and avid birdwatchers. I was pleased to see the windmill at Cley in the distance, unfortunately it didn't seem to get any nearer! When you finally think you're approaching the end, there's a frustrating loop which took me into Cley and back out again to the beach, where Nobby was waiting with lunch.

After a short lunch break, I set off to tackle the shingle, not good for lactic acid laden legs! No way could I run on this:

A weary four mile trudge to Weybourne. It was a long day, fifteen miles in total!

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Tuesday 23rd September - Wells next the Sea to Weybourne

Today's section was due to be a relatively easy run of about 10.5 miles ending at Cley next the Sea. However, on the basis of Nobby's research, we have decided on a change of schedule. Beyond Cley is an inhospitable stretch of four miles of shingle, which is generally described as one of the least enjoyable stretches of the path. This will be difficult to run on and very tiring, not an ideal start to Wednesday's section. So I am going to get that out of the way today.

I will pick up the trail where I finished yesterday, just beyond Wells next the Sea, and continue along the edge of the salt marshes, creeks and mudflats, passing Stiffkey and Morston, heading to Blakeney.

Here the route loops round, skirting the marshes to meet the road at Cley, where I cross the River Glaven and turn back towards the sea, finishing at the car park. A distance of 10.5 miles.

After a short recovery period I'll tackle the shingle bank, running and jogging as best I can!

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 And away...

Woke up to rain hammering on the velux above my bed! , But by the time I set off from Brancaster at 10:10, the weather was ideal for running; sunshine and a brisk breeze to keep me cool. Once I managed to overtake two groups of elderly ramblers, I made good time, and the route was fairly straightforward. I only needed to ring Nobby twice to check on directions! Slightly hard going through the sand dunes of Holkham Bay, but apart from that, good going underfoot. I was pleased to arrive at the East Quay in Wells at 1:30 to find Nobby waiting for me, Stage 2 completed!

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Monday 22nd September

Brancaster to Wells next the Sea

A stiffer challenge today, just under 14 miles. Starting from Brancaster church the path skirts an area of marshes, with the sea in the distance, only arriving on the coast beyond Burnham Harbour, emerging among the dunes of Holkham Nature Reserve.

It then follows the top of the beach through Holkham Bay, before cutting slightly inland along the back of pine woods, finally reaching the lifeboat station at Wells next the Sea. I will then run beside the harbour and along the edge of more salt marshes, finishing just beyond the town.

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 First stage completed!

We arrived in Hunstanton to find roads closed and crowds gathered near the start of the trail. Unfortunately, they weren't there to cheer me on my way! (It was a soap box derby.)

There didn't seem to be anything to mark the official start of The Norfolk Coast Path, which was a little disappointing, but I set off from the bandstand, pausing at the first sign we came across.

After that, it was a case of leaving the town behind and following the coast. The weather was perfect and the path took me through some beautiful scenery.

I was surprised to meet Nobby around half way, he wanted to make sure I was ok and hadn't got lost! Finally, feeling slightly weary, I arrived in Brancaster.

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 Radio Interview

I was interviewed on BBC Radio Kent/Surrey/Sussex this morning. You can listen by following the link below and go to 2 hours 25 minutes into the programme:

Allison Ferns on BBC Radio Kent - Mark Carter sits in - BBC Sounds 

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Sunday 21st September - Hunstanton to Brancaster

A relatively easy start to the challenge, just under 10 miles today. The path starts in Hunstanton near the bandstand, but I'm not anticipating a musical send off! The route follows the coast, passing Holme next the Sea, then cuts inland to Thornham.

 After a short stretch along the road, it follows an inland loop through fields and ends at Brancaster church.

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The Long Run - Norfolk Coast Path

78 miles, three marathons in six days! 

Sunday 21/9          

Hunstanton to Brancaster (10 miles) 

Monday 22/9         

Brancaster to Wells-next-the-Sea (14 miles) 

Tuesday 23/9         

Wells-next-the-Sea to Cley next the Sea (10.5 miles)

Wednesday 24/9   

Cley next the Sea to Cromer (13 miles) 

Thursday 25/9       

Cromer to Happisburgh (14 miles)

Friday 26/9            

Happisburgh to Caister (16.5 miles)

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£2000!

Thank you so much to everyone who has donated. Your generosity and support is absolutely fantastic!

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 More news from the training camp... 

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A training update... 

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Donations reach £1,000!

I'm amazed at how generous people have been, and I haven't even run anywhere yet! Thank you so much for your kind messages, support and belief in me.

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 It's going to be a tough challenge!

Running three marathons in six days over a variety of terrain will, no doubt, pose a number of significant difficulties. My body is not as resilient as it used to be. Hopefully I have the fitness, determination and mental fortitude to succeed. If I'm struggling, I'm sure my mate Nobby, who is providing all necessary back up, will help to get me over the line. We might even have a laugh or two along the way!

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