Explore the Broads 2021
Saturday - Wroxham Broad to Barton Broad
Wroxham to Ant Mouth
The tour starts at the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club on Wroxham Broad. The first leg is relatively short and the river Bure is relatively wide, so a relaxed start to the tour.
Leave the Yacht Club and aim for the opening on to the River Bure on the far right-hand side of the broad between posts marked 1 and 2.
Keep on the main river unless you wish to explore Salhouse Broad which is off to the right just past some moorings on the on the left.
Above is the entrance and the exit is marked by red posts.
Follow the river to Horning for lunch at The Swan Inn. A space for us to take the boats out will have been kept clear to the left of the pub and to the right of Horning Sailing Club. Beware that the ‘Mississippi paddle boat’ may be moored by this grassed area as well.
After lunch, launch the boat and continue along the river in the same direction.
Look out for a sign to the mouth of the River Ant on the left-hand side of the river just past Horning Hall and turn left.
Explore the Broads 2021 Page 1 of 4 Ant Mouth to Barton Broad
Turn left off the River Bure
The River Ant is narrower and winds through high reed beds.
As you approach Ludham Bridge there are tight bends with boats moored on both sides. Immediately round the bends is the bridge – narrow but manageable with care.
The river remains relatively narrow .
You will meet motor cruisers some of whom may be inexperienced and taking the bends too widely on this narrow river.
At one point there is a clear sign ‘Narrow River’ and there is a sharp right-hand bend taking you past the riverside properties of the village of Irstead.
The river opens on to Barton Broad.
Follow the green marker posts on the right.
After about 1km the river goes to the right to Sutton and Stalham.
Take the left fork, to the left of a triangular island, to Cox’s boatyard.
Explore the Broads 2021 Page 2 of 4 Sunday – Barton Broad to Hickling Broad
Barton Broad to Ant Mouth
This is the reverse of the stretch of river rowed on Saturday afternoon.
Row out of the cut from the boatyard and keep to the left-hand side of the broad but rowing in the channel.
After 1km, there is a sign to the opening of the River Ant.
The river is narrow through the village of Irstead and it winds along past How Hill where there may be a lot of boats moored.
Proceed under Ludham Bridge and on the other side is a sharp bend to the left and then one to the right, with boats moored on both sides.
The river bends round to the right just before it meets the River Bure.
Turn sharp left on to the River Bure. Lookout for traffic going straight across this junction.
Ant Mouth to Thurne Mouth and Thurne Dyke.
The River Bure is much wider. A few hundred yards on the left are the remains of St Benet’s Abbey.
Stay on the main river.
When the River Bure turns right towards Great Yarmouth, turn sharp left on the River Thurne signed to Potter Heigham and Hickling. Lookout for traffic going straight across this junction.
After 500m, after a wind pump on the left, get ready to stop for lunch at the wind pump on the right.
Moor or lift the boats from the water at the entrance to Thurne Dyke.
Explore the Broads 2021 Page 3 of 4 Thurne Dyke to Potter Heigham
Turn right on to the river.
The river is wide but will be busy.
Stay on the main river and do not take the turning to Ludham.
Follow the river until you come to the riverside chalets of Potter Heigham.
Proceed under Potter Heigham Bridge which is narrow and you may need to pull your blades across a little.
Give way to traffic travelling with the tide if this is flowing towards you.
Potter Heigham to Hickling Broad
Row in between the riverside chalets.
The river opens out.
You will approach Martham Boatyard with boats moored on the right.
There is a fork in the river – take the left-hand fork signposted Hickling and Horsey.
The river winds through high reed beds.
There will be a sign on the right welcoming you to the Hickling Broad wetland area.
Keep between the marker posts.
The river forks again. Go to the left of the yellow and black marker post.
Follow the green marker posts.
The river narrows but at the wider points there are marker posts.
The river opens out on to the main part of Hickling Broad.
Stay between the marker posts. Sailing boats may be racing – give way to racing boats. Follow marker posts all the way to Hickling Broad Sailing Club at the far end of the broad on the left near the Pleasure Boat Inn.
Explore the Broads 2021 Page 4 of 4