Cow Tower Walk

A short walk along the river Wensum from Prince of Wales Road to Whitefriars. Despite being right in the heart of the city, you can still see numerous species here: Large Red, Common Blue and Blue-tailed damselflies, Common and Ruddy darters, Migrant and Southern Hawkers and the ever-present Banded Demoiselles all grace the city. This is in no small way thanks to the dragonfly pond recently (2003) excavated beside Cow Tower.

Directions

From Prince of Wales Road the walk is accessed via the outside patio of The Compleat Angler pub. Cross the patio and descend the steps at the far side. The first stretch is manicured lawns with willows and the most interesting sight is watching the tourists attempting to moor their hire boats at the yacht station opposite, but soon the path turns into Bishopsgate. Cross the road here, pausing to admire the bishopsgate bridge - scene of the storming of Norwich by Robert Kett's men, and pass to the left of the Red Lion, down the side street. The path restarts just after the pub's beer garden, and you have now reached the most interesting section. In front of you is Cow Tower itself, on the corner of the river. The damage you see was caused in part by Kett's cannon. The dragonfly pond lies alongside it. Most species can be seen here, but it's worth checking the wasteland behind the pond - although fenced off, a quick scan frequently shows darters resting on the heads of the flowers growing here. Although most are Common's at least one Ruddy was reported here in 2005.

Continuing along the path will bring you to the Law Courts. Check the river banks for Banded Demoiselles on the way, as well as pied wagtails on the short grass and warblers on the far bank. Alternatively, just past the tower you can step through a gate and find yourself in the public car park just opposite the Adam and Eve pub. You can then rejoin Bishopsgate and walk around the Cathedral wall to find yourself back where you started.

Next

From the Law Courts, cross over the bridge and turn left into Fishergate. Following this will lead you to Fye Bridge. Turn right towards Magdelen Street and and then turn left at the army recruitment office into Colegate. Follow the road to the end, turn right into St George's St. Turn left at the roundabout onto St. Crispins and cross at the pelican crossing. The start of the Halfords to Anderson's Meadow walk is just to your left at the Barn Rd. roundabout.