Discover the Norfolk Broads - A guide to 12 great days out in the unique environment of the Norfolk Broads compiled by people who live there

Day Nine: Canoe trip – Martham to Horsey

This is one of our favourite days out, and was a must for inclusion as the second canoe trip in the Guide. There is very little that can beat paddling a Canadian canoe quietly along the river and this route offers you the opportunity to get up close and personal with marsh harriers, the Norfolk Broads bird of prey, as this is an ideal habitat for them. There are a number of canoe hire centres located throughout the Norfolk Broads, and you can find your nearest centre by telephoning the Broads Authority on 01603 610734, or by picking up the bike & canoe hire leaflet from any Visitor Information Centre. We have chosen Martham Boats for this day, but other centres will be happy to provide suggestions for days out in their local areas.

Start: Martham Boatyard, Cess Road, off the B1152 west of Martham Ordnance Survey Explorer map OL40; grid reference TG439192 SatNav postcode NR29 4RF

Cost Guide: £££

Our recommended itinerary is as follows:

•	Hire a canoe, turning right out of the boatyard onto the River Thurne and then left shortly afterwards up Candle Dyke into Duck Broad and then on into Heigham Sound.

•	Spend a peaceful day paddling at your own speed into Meadow Dyke at the top right hand corner of Heigham Sound, heading for Horsey Mere.

•   Meadow Dyke is a lovely meandering stream, and with several small channels branching off, it is possible to spend a little time exploring these and to feel well and truly part of a wilderness in the Norfolk Broads. •   Marsh harriers can often be seen hunting over the wetlands that surround the dyke and paddling almost silently in a canoe means it is possible to get very close to these majestic birds. •   As you enter Horsey Mere, keep to the right hand side and head up the staithe towards Horsey Windpump, where it is possible to tie up. Mooring fees are payable to the Horsey Estate. •   An alternative is to moor carefully at the entrance to the staithe, where there are bench seats providing an ideal spot for your picnic. •   The windpump is well worth a visit for the view from the top and the display of historic photographs of the local area. There is also a small friendly café here, selling teas and snacks, including toasted teacakes and bacon rolls.

•	Acquired by the National Trust in 1948 from the Buxton family, who continue to manage the Horsey Estate, the 5-storey windpump has been fully restored and also now has a wheelchair-accessible nature garden, with raised ponds for pond-dipping.

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.

A cost guide is included for each day out, ranging from lower cost (£: free or up to £15) to higher cost (£££££: £80 up to £100). These costs are based on a family of 4
undertaking all the activities suggested and are accurate as at the date of publication.

MARSH HARRIER
Circus aeruginosus

The largest of the Harriers, it is unmistakeable in and around the Norfolk Broads, soaring at high levels with its wings raised in a shallow V. It makes its nest in tall reed beds on shallow fresh water, ideally suited to the Norfolk Broads and feeds on small mammals, birds and insects. With a wing span in excess of 1m it is often seen above the marshes around Horning and Hickling.

Discover the Norfolk Broads - A guide to 12 great days out in the unique environment of the Norfolk Broads compiled by people who live there