Day Five:
Canoe trip – Wayford Bridge to
Neatishead via Barton Broad
When visiting the Norfolk Broads, there are a
number of ways to explore the landscape in order to get a feel
for the area, but in our opinion, hiring a Canadian canoe and
paddling quietly along the river while kingfisher-spotting,
stopping for lunch at a country pub, takes some beating. There
are a number of canoe hire centres located throughout the
Broads, and you can find your nearest centre by telephoning
the Broads Authority on 01603 782281, or by picking up the
bike & canoe hire leaflet from any Visitor Information Centre.
We have chosen one such centre, Bank’s Dayboats at Wayford
Bridge, and designed a day based around the River Ant, Barton
Broad and Neatishead, but other centres will be happy to
provide suggestions for days out in their local area.
Cost Guide: £££
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Drive to Bank Boatyard
located on the A149, west of Wayford Bridge |
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Hire a canoe, turning
right out of the boatyard, and spend a peaceful day
paddling at your own speed down the River Ant towards
Barton Broad |
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The Broad itself has been
the subject of a major water quality improvement programme
in recent years, and it has become a flagship example of
best practice across Europe |
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As you enter the Broad,
bear right and follow the signs to Neatishead, keeping an
eye out for the Ra, the distinctive solar-powered boat
operated by the Broads Authority |
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Moor at Neatishead and
wander along the lane into the village for lunch at the
White Horse public house, a traditional Norfolk pub,
serving several real ales and tasty home made food |
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Feeling
revitalised, return up river at a leisurely pace, taking
plenty of time to look for the kingfishers that are known
to live along this stretch of the river. Paddling quietly
in a canoe is an ideal way to view these magical, brightly
coloured birds as they dart along searching for their next
meal |
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Young Family Option
The trip from Wayford Bridge to Neatishead does
take a full day, and may not be suitable for younger children. For
a shorter alternative route, turn left out of the boatyard and
head upriver.
This is a lovely, quiet part of the river with
very few other craft to disturb you or the wildlife as you paddle
along. Having gone a short distance, fork left towards the small
village of Dilham. You can moor at the end of this channel and
walk into the village to the Cross Keys public house for
refreshment
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Canoe Hire Centres Bungay,
Outney Meadow Caravan Park tel 01986 892338
Burgh St Peter, Waveney River Centre
tel 01502
677343
Geldeston,
Rowancraft tel 01508 518208
Hickling, Whispering Reeds, Staithe Road tel 01692
598314
Martham Boats tel
01493 740249
Salhouse Broad
tel 07795 145475 or 01603
722775
Sutton Staithe
Boatyard tel 01692 581653
Wayford Bridge, Bank Dayboats tel 01692 582457
Wroxham, Barnes Brinkcraft,
Riverside Road tel
01603 782625
For more information
about the canoe hire centres please contact the Broads
Information Centres which are located at Beccles, Hoveton,
How Hill, Potter Heigham, Ranworth and Whitlingham.
Canoes are also available for hire from the
following:
The Canoe Man -
Activ-8 Adventure Ltd tel 01603 499177
Canoe hire, guided canoe trails, and canoe training and
qualifications
Perfecta Boats
- Lower Street, Horning tel 01692
631161 or 07909 816649
Norfolk
County Council Outdoor Education Centre - Whitlingham
Country Park, Whitlingham Lane, Trowse tel 01603 632307 |
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Useful Norfolk Broads Contacts
Below you will find suggestions for accommodation, activities, attractions,
food & drink and shopping. All useful
contacts while visiting the Norfolk Broads.
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Sutton Staithe Hotel
Sutton Staithe Hotel is located yards from the River Ant in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. The Hotel boasts thirteen fully en-suite letting rooms all with internet access and Satellite television. Special offers can be found on our website.
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Fineway Launch Hire
Operating from our boatyard situated in the heart of the Norfolk Broads on the river Bure in the busy village of Wroxham we provide rental services of day boats, a cabin cruiser and a riverside cottage.
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Blickling Hall, Garden & Park
Magnificent Jacobean house with garden and park. Famed for its long gallery, fine tapestries, paintings and rare books. Parkland, lakeside walks and sunken garden. Reputedly home to the headless ghost of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIIIs second queen.
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Norfolk Mead Hotel, The
Built in 1740, the Norfolk Mead, formally a merchants house, is set in 8 tranquil riverside acres on the river Bure. Just 7 miles from the city of Norwich and 10 miles from the coast. An ideal location for a weekend or longer break.
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Linda H. Matthews Artist
Working artists studio & gallery, in the beautiful northern broads. Paintings & gifts from Lindas work. Also offering structured painting courses and private tuition, for individuals & groups, with an experienced tutor & art materials for sale
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; grid reference TG348248
