IN the Middle Ages many a pilgrim would have crossed the marshes on the way to St Benets Abbey. True, they came from the Horning direction, but next year it is likely to become the focal point for walkers of the modern generation when the Rotary Club of Great Yarmouth's Annual Charity Fun Walk relocates to the Acle area.

IN the Middle Ages many a pilgrim would have crossed the marshes on the way to St Benets Abbey.

True, they came from the Horning direction, but next year it is likely to become the focal point for walkers of the modern generation when the Rotary Club of Great Yarmouth's Annual Charity Fun Walk relocates to the Acle area.

After eight years of walks in and around the Somerleyton Estate, during which more than �120,000 has been raised for local charities, the needs of agriculture have overtaken events and it was necessary to change the location if the features that characterised the walk - car parking, marshals, refreshments and safety, for example - are to be preserved.

There will be long, medium and short routes suitable for all ages, including children - and, of course, dogs. Some routes, complete with windpumps and mills, pass the Abbey ruins on the south side of the river, others meander through woodlands and pastoral scenery. All will commence and end, it is expected, at Acle Community Centre.

Precise routes are currently being surveyed and mapped. Other than that, walkers are assured that nothing else will change - there will still be light refreshments en route and soup and Norfolk Shortcake at the end.

Full details will be released as soon as they are complete and in the meantime local charities who would like to be considered for inclusion in the club's list of beneficiary charities are invited to contact Henry Dent on 01493 750954.