This is a slightly different type of event for the Norfolk Group and combines a shortish walk with a visit to a restored windmill that unusually still contains the machinery that enabled it to grind corn. The group's normal cycle of walks is on the last weekend of each month.  This "mid month" event is being fitted in between because the venue closes for the season in September.

Great Bircham Windmill was built in 1846 and is being restored by volunteers.  Stairs take visitors up through its five floors to finish under the cap itself where the mechanism for turning the sails into the wind can be seen.  Each floor served a different purpose and much of the original kit is still in place so it is possible to see how the windmill was operated - lifting sacks of corn, grinding and sifting the resultant flour, all from gears attached to the turning of the sails.  There is a working bakery on site so bread and cakes, etc. can be bought and there is a very good cafe which offers All Day Breakfast, light lunches, teas & coffee, etc.

The plan is to visit the windmill, for which the entrance ticket is either £7.25 or £5.85 depending on retirement status, then to have refreshments in the cafe.  There is no need to bring your own food but if you prefer to do so then it probably will not be "diplomatic" to sit and eat it inside the cafe.  After the cafe visit, there will be a shortish walk of about 3-4 miles (depending on what we decide on the day) along the surrounding footpaths, from which distant views of the windmill can be seen; the walk will also involve some walking on a country lane.

Dogs are allowed in the garden, grounds and cafe but not inside the windmill.