Text contributed by Julia; pictures by Julia and Christina.
So why did Peter, Pete, Christina, Lizzie and Julia depart Ipswich at 7:15am one cold Saturday morning in January? To go to the Parkrun in Clare Castle Country Park!
After we left a slightly dreary Ipswich early on Saturday morning, the weather began to brighten up on the scenic drive through Hintlesham and Long Melford. By the time we reached Clare, the sun was definitely coming out – a welcome relief after Storm Eowyn and the drab weather of January.
We arrived in plenty of time as Peter was volunteering as tail walker. After the necessary course briefing for new participants, we were started promptly at 9:00am.
The course follows the main paths of the country park, weaving back and forth alongside the River Stour. It is very scenic, with only a bit of mud, and includes some beautiful trees and wooden statues; also within the country park is Clare Castle and the former Clare railway station and goods yard.
After doing three laps (being wary of faster runners overtaking), we ran, jogged and walked our way to the finish line.
After the Parkrun, we headed into Clare, a short walk away, to have some brunch. We found a super café called the Clare Trading Post that did a wonderful job in providing a traditional cooked breakfast with black pudding as an option!
Afterwards, with only a very slight pang of guilt, we also stopped in the Small Town Bakery to buy sourdough bread, sausage rolls, and cake.
A walk around the country park afforded much of interest that we had only been past briefly earlier.
We climbed up to Clare Castle built by Richard Fitz Gilbert after the Norman conquest of 1066. In the 14th century, it was home to Elizabeth de Clare, one of the richest women in Great Britain. We learnt that this is a motte-and-bailey castle; although not that much remains, there is an absolutely fantastic view from the top.
We then went on to the old railway buildings. The booking hall is now a café and the waiting room is a small museum with a model railway. Along the way, much to Pete’s delight, we even managed to find a couple of geocaches to add to our enjoyment. All in all, an exhilarating event in a pretty place!