This 3-day itinerary for the Norfolk Broads is quite a full one. Many may take life a little easier and do a trip like this in a week. The itinerary picks out some interesting spots, and there is always a pub within walking distance for overnight stays. and a good dog walk.
First Overnight Mooring – Salhouse Broad
Salhouse Broad is one of the prettiest in Norfolk and is a good place to walk the dogs, & enable the kids to let off steam.
It’s a short (20) min trot from Barnes Brinkcraft, giving you time to get accustomed to your boat.
There is a small “beach” which is great for paddling and feeding the ducks. The Hungry Otter kiosk does a great coffee and sausage roll.
You will find a choice of moorings at Salhouse Broad.
The canoe hire centre here is a great place if you fancy having a go. You may need to book.
The Woodfoords Brewery and Fur and Feather Pub are a 20 min stroll away. Great beer, but you might want to steer away from more than one pint of Norfolk Noggin!!
You may even come across the ice cream man. A Norfolk Broads institution – get your ice cream delivered to you by boat!
Hoveton great broad nature trail is on the opposite side of the river from the entrance to the broad. The ranger is really enthusiastic and may help you spot some amazing wildlife. You can only reach this trail by boat. It is a great walk taking between 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
End On Moorings – people usually prefer these as you then have access to loads of space, the pubs a small kiosk etc, etc
Mud Weighting (dropping your anchor) which provides splendid isolation. But you will have to get out the rowing boat if you want to visit the pub for your supper
#Top Tip When mud weighting check the weather forecast. If a strong wind is forecast choose another option. You don’t want to find yourself blown across the broad in the middle of the night.
# Top Tip Mud Weights can be sticky and heavy to lift. When searching for one of our hire boats use the Filter Options and select electric anchor winch
Island Moorings. There are good side on moorings on a spit between the main river and Salhouse Broad, but they have no access to roads or facilities.
# Top Tip. Free moorings maintained by the Broads Authority are often marked by a sign with a dragonfly on them. & You will find a “staithe” the local word for a mooring in each village.
Horning
Horning is a pretty village, with 3 pubs (all with moorings and often staff to help you moor up). There are also several shops and restaurants which makes it a good place to pick up supplies.
Free Moorings on the staithe
# Top Tip Moorings in Horning get snapped up quickly, we’d recommend arriving before midday to nab a spot outside one of the pubs for a lovely lunch.
# Top Tip. Free moorings maintained by the Broads Authority are often marked by a sign with a dragonfly on them. & You will find a “staithe” the local word for a mooring in each village.
As you leave Horning you begin to experience Norfolk’s classic big sky. You can see for miles over the reed beds. Keep a lookout for yachts that appear to be sailing through the fields in the distance.
Travel for approx 3/4 of an hour and turn left into the River Ant. The river is a little narrower, so requires a little more concentration.
You’ll shortly reach Ludham Bridge.
# Top Tip Check your boat height and the amount of room underneath the bridge. You may need to lower your canopy and windows to get underneath the bridge.
Check out this video from The Broads Authority for advise on how to navigate bridges safely.
Second Overnight Mooring – How Hill
A short while later, and you’ll find How Hill on your right. You can take a walk around their lovely gardens and visit Toad Hole Cottage. The tiny reed cutters cottage museum. Its a great place to learn a little more about the Norfolk & Suffolk Broads.
The moorings are all side on, next to a footpath. If you walk back to Ludham Bridge and walk a little further down the road towards Ludham Village and you’ll find the Dog Inn pub, great for a snack and refreshment. There is a shop and cafe at Ludham Bridge that are currently undergoing re-development, but don’t worry! We’ll let you know when its back up and running.
St Benet’s Abbey
In the morning, turn your boat around and head back to the River Bure. Turn left and you will see the iconic St Benet’s Abbey on your left. Take advantage of the free morning. The site is run by the Norfolk Archaeological Trust and the website has free downloadable audio tours.
Even on a bright and sunny day, there is something otherworldly about this spot. You can feel the history as you walk between the tower and the church’s high altar. But do look out for cow pats!
Third Overnight Mooring – Ranworth
Turn around now – and take the turning on your left towards Ranworth Broad.
A really pretty little broad, and a very popular area managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. They maintain a boardwalk and floating visitors centre.
The church has a very tall spiral tower with a fantastic view from the top.. you just have to climb 89 steps, 2 ladders and pop through a trap door to access the view.
In need of refreshments? The Maltsters does a good range of pub food. You can get supplies from the Granary store on the Staithe.
Overnight mooring is available on the Staithe free of charge, and on the island to your left. You can also mud weight on the broad for a real feel of the charming tranquility of The Broads.
#Top Tip TV reception is often poor here (lots of trees to block the signal) perfect for some quality time with a book or a board game.
Please note boats need to be back at the yard for 9 am the following morning. This requires an early (7 am) start on your last day. (a great excuse for bacon butties on the go though)
All our 3-day itinerary for the Norfolk Broads have good access to dog walks for overnight stays