Spiritual journeys

Looking to recharge the batteries this new year? We suggest three revitalising options.

The UK option

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Walking on the north Norfolk coast

Devon and Cornwall may boast spectacular beaches and challenging coastal walks, but neither holds quite the immaculate beauty or remote charm of the prosperous north Norfolk coast. At 2,067 square miles, Norfolk is England’s fifth largest county, stretching from the Fens in the west to the watery byways of the Broads in the east; while some of the wildest, most exhilarating scenery is to be found on its north coast. Much of this stretch of salt marshes, creeks and windswept sandy beaches is maintained by the National Trust. It’s renowned for birdlife and the seal colony at Blakeney Point (boat trips from Morston Quay).

The Norfolk coastal path is an ancient route which takes you through Titchwell Marsh nature reserve, a wetland area run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and across the wide open beaches at Brancaster and Holkham.

Inland a little , you’ll find the beautiful village of Little Walsingham (take the miniature steam railway from Wells if you’ve got kids, 01328 711 630). A town of half-timbered buildings, narrow streets and cosy tea rooms, it is dominated by the ruins of Walsingham Abbey and its peaceful gardens, particularly popular in February for snowdrop walks.

One of the advantages of north Norfolk is that you can get away from it all without sacrificing good food or comfortable living. Regional specialities include freshly caught Cromer crab, samphire from the salt marshes, locally smoked North Sea herring, or ales brewed by the Woodforde and Brancaster breweries (buy to take home at the Real Ale Shop near Wells, www.therealaleshop.co.uk). Good gastro-inns are the Victoria at Holkham (01328 711 008); the Hoste Arms at Burnham Market (01328 738 777) and The George at Cley-next-the-Sea (01263 740 652).

Where to stay
If you are going in a large group, try the chic and opulently-restored 19th-century property, Cliff Barns, which sleeps up to 18 with six double bedrooms and a ‘bunk house’. It also features a hot tub and sauna, all facing onto a beautiful landscaped garden. A week starts at £3,750, a weekend at £2,550. Pets allowed.
Cliff Barns, Narborough, Norfolk (01366 328 342/ www.cliffbarns.com).

Getting there
Norwich is two hours on the train from Liverpool Street from £25. For local bus information call Traveline East Anglia (0870 608 2608/www.travelineeastanglia.org.uk).



Short haul

Whale-watching in Húsavík, Iceland

There’s nothing quite like the biting Icelandic air to clear out the cobwebs, but if the frenetic and overtly touristy bars of Reykjavik don’t appeal, head straight up to the north to the desolate and wildly beautiful Icelandic town of Húsavík. With its landscape of fluffy snow fields, gurgling hot water pools and spluttering geysers, this isolated spot is exactly how you imagine Iceland to be if you’ve never been before, and far more attractive than the bleak black lavafields that dominate the landscape around Reykjavik.

Standing in Húsavík’s tiny bay (where there are just a cluster of restaurants and a solitary bar) looking out across the wide Atlantic ocean, you feel completely cut-off from not only the rest of Iceland but the rest of civilisation. This is a prime spot for whale-watching and you can see minke whales, dolphins and porpoises from early spring (Nordursigling organise daily trips, 00 354 464 2350). By night, head to the famous old-cheese tub, placed on the hills overlooking the town, which has been converted into a hot tub resembling a giant elongated iron bath; if it’s a clear night, there’s a high chance of seeing the mesmerising Northern lights. On a late winter’s night in silence and solitude, there’s nothing quite as wondrous and life-affirming.

Where to stay
The simple but comfortable Húsavík Hotel overlooks the bay and is within easy access of all local amenities including the steam-filled outdoor pool.
Húsavík Hotel, Ketilsbraut 22 IS-640 Húsavík (00 354 464 1220). Rooms: Double from €85 (£60).

Getting there
Icelandair from £123 Heathrow to Reykjavik (www.ice
landair.co.uk). Contact Icelandair for details of internal flights to Húsavík.

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