Suggestion for a Norfolk Broads Itinerary
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Set sail upstream, cruising away from Acle Bridge. Soon you pass the entrance to Upton Dyke on your left bank. Continue on until you see the river diverge. Take the right hand turn which is signposted for Potter Heigham. You pass the impressive white Thurne Wind-pump on your right bank, which marks the entrance to Thurne Dyke. Continue up the River Thurne passing the entrance to the signposted turn to Womack Water on your left. Soon you will see the start of the chalets which line the banks right up to Potter Heigham, our overnight stopping point. You will see the low arched bridge as you reach the free moorings on your right bank. Alternative free moorings are available in the Herbert Woods boatyard, accessible by passing under the wooden footbridge on the opposite bank. In the centre you will find two public houses and two cafeterias together with a large discount stores. Launch hire is available here for those wanting to pass under the bridge and explore the quieter reaches of the Thurne.

Retrace your steps back down the Thurne past the entrance to Womack Dyke on your right and Thurne Windpump on your left bank. At the junction with the River Bure turn right and proceed on past the entrance to South Walsham Broad on your left and the ruins of St Benets Abbey on your right bank. Soon after you see the junction with the River Ant, which is signposted. Take this turning and proceed up the Ant, passing under Ludham Bridge and proceed on. Eventually you see the imposing How Hill Education Centre on the hilltop rising up from the river. There are extensive free moorings here so take time to explore the estate which features a water trail, Toad Cottage and various countryside paths.

Continue on in the same direction, cruising the picturesque waterside village of Irstead, which marks the entrance to the wide expanses of Barton Broad. Ensure you keep between the marker posts proceeding up towards the far end of the Broad. Here you will see the Broad narrows to a signposted sign for Stalham. Take this channel and proceed along following other signposts to the town of Stalham. Extensive free moorings are available at the Richardsons boatyard. Once moored take time to visit the Broads Museum which just a short walk away. The town centre with many shops, banks, cafés and two public houses is around 15 minutes walk away, passing a large Tesco supermarket en-route.

Retrace your steps back to the entrance to Barton Broad. Keep between the posts and cross the Broad, heading for the entrance. Pass the pretty village of Irstead and How Hill before cruising on to Ludham Bridge, our lunchtime stop. Free moorings are available on either bank before the bridge. A small shop and a restaurant are situated on the roadside by the bridge. A little further on is the Dog public house.

Pass under Ludham Bridge and cruise on to the junction with the River Bure. Take a right turn and cruise on past the entrance to Ranworth Broad on your left bank. Soon you will see the picturesque village of Horning on your right. Moorings are available at any of three public houses which line the river. The village extends for around a mile and contains many restaurants, cafés and shops.

Set off in the same direction eventually passing the entrances to Salhouse and Wroxham Broads on the left bank. Shortly after you will come across the outlying houses and chalets of Wroxham. Continue on until you see the large Barnes Brinkcraft boatyard on your right where free moorings are available. Alternative moorings are available at the Faircraft Loynes boatyard located down the last dyke on your left before the bridge. Wroxham has a large shopping centre including public houses, restaurants, cafés and a bank. Roys department store is also based here including a supermarket, DIY store and a garden centre.

.You have the rest of the day to explore the self-styled capital of the Broads. A narrow gauge railway with steam trains operates from near Hoveton & Wroxham Station. A model railway exhibition is also close by. Younger family members might like to visit Bewilderwood Adventure Park, which is a 10 minute taxi ride away. Alternatively, take the 15 minute train journey into the fine city of Norwich with its cathedral, market stalls and museums.

Time to cruise back down the River Bure, out of Wroxham and past the entrances to Wroxham and Salhouse Broads. Cruise on through Horning and watch out for the signposted dyke leading to Ranworth Broad. Travel down the dyke. At the far end of the Broad you will see the free stern-on moorings. The start of the Ranworth Nature Trail is close by which is a boardwalk through the countryside to a visitor centre and lookout over the Broad. If you still have energy, climb to the top of the Ranworth Church tower. The surrounding views are unrivalled.

Cruise back out of Ranworth Broad and turn right at the junction with the Bure. Continue on passing the entrances to the Rivers Ant and Thurne on your left bank. Eventually you will come to Acle, the site of your home boatyard. Pass under the bridge and continue on until you see the riverside village of Stokesby on your left bank. Limited free moorings are available before the Ferry Inn. If unavailable moor outside or just beyond the Inn for a small overnight fee. Besides the Ferry Inn, Stokesby has a village shop and cafe together with a children’s playground all within a short walk of the moorings.

Continue in the same direction towards Great Yarmouth, passing the Stracey Windmill and shop on your right bank. After a while you will see the derelict Yarmouth Marina on your left bank. Cruise past this to the moorings of Yarmouth Yacht Station which are 5-10 minutes or so further also on the left bank. You need to approach the moorings with the bow (front) of your boat facing into the prevailing current. This way you will have more control of your boat when coming alongside. The bridges beyond the moorings are low at high water so you must turn well before if demanded by the tidal conditions. Quay Rangers are in attendance if needed and if at all unsure it is best to call them on 01493 842794 so they can advise and expect your arrival. The fee to overnight at Yarmouth is currently £13 per boat.

The rest of the day is yours to explore this "all the fun of the fair" seaside town. A 15 minute walk will bring you to the market place and shopping centre. The seafront with its piers, amusements, Sealife Centre, museums, mini-golf etc is a further 15 minutes walk away.

You will need to leave your moorings against the tide so as to have more control, even if it means turning your boat on its ropes before you set off. The Quay Rangers will be happy to advise and assist you with your departure. You need to travel back up the Bure to your lunch stop at Stracey Windmill, Shop and Cafe, which will now be on the left bank. The kids will love the free roaming donkeys and goats which are all friendly.

Continue on in the same direction back to Acle. Once you have passed under the bridge, you will see your home yard moorings on the left bank. The Bridge Inn and Pedros Restaurant are a short walk away. The town of Acle is a 30 minute walk down the main road leading from the same side of the bridge you are moored.

Time to hand back your boat after what has hopefully been a glorious adventure