Exploration
10 hidden adventures in The Norfolk Broads
Swimming with seals, foraging for fungi, running up and down dunes, and late-night owl chats are just a few of the many lesser-known activities awaiting you in the Norfolk Broads.
Think of the Norfolk Broads and you may well think of hiring a small boat and cruising down miles and miles of sedate, narrow, river paths wiling the hours away. In which case you're Alan Partridge and this list isn't for you.
Instead this is more of a hands-on, eclectic list of outdoor experiences designed to spike your energy levels in and around this untamed corner of East Anglia.
Not only is there an abundance of water everywhere, there’s a lot more you and your friends can do on it other than just a barge trip – the area also boasts miles of riverside paths, trails, and amazing wildlife.
We spoke to some local experts to find out the what, when and where of your next adventure.
1. Race stand-up paddleboards at sundown
Enjoy a 5K SUP sprint or paddle the entire 72km along the Broads
© Norfolk Outdoor Adventures
There is something fairly 'zen' about the idea of Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) along quiet stretches of the Norfolk Broads, admiring the wildlife and contemplating the solitude of it all. But that stuff is all for another day – Norfolk Outdoor Adventure’s Martin Rendle offers SUP racing coaching to get you ready for anything from a 5K sprint in the water, to a full-blown ‘ultra’ covering 72km along the Broads. Anyone can have a go as long as you’re able to swim at least 50m unaided.
2. Take a wildlife hike in the dead of night at How Hill
You never know what wildlife you will see at dusk
© Stuart Richards; Flickr CC
There are many ways of getting out of your comfort zone, and heading into the darkness of the countryside is definitely one of them. Local guide John Tyler knows some of the best spots for getting up close and personal with wildlife. “A few weeks ago I went on a night-time stargazing walk with John at How Hill and it was incredible,” says Laura Middleton from the Broads Authority. “We had a great conversation with a family of owls who were really close to us in the pitch dark."
3. Canoe in the solitude of the River Bure
On the River Bure lies a hidden oasis of wildlife
© The CanoeMan
The Broads are beautiful but it’s fair to say that it’s not easy to find a quiet stretch of water – unless you’re local adventurer TheCanoeMan, of course. “Between Aylsham and Coltishall is the ideal place to canoe because motor boats can only go as far as Coltishall,” he reveals. “It’s the River Bure which is the main feed for the Broads, and that’s where we do the majority of our trails."
The other bonus of canoeing in these remote areas, says our expert, is the opportunity to spot wildlife including kingfishers and otters close-up: "Of course the beauty of being in a canoe is that you’re virtually silent, and you’re also down at a low level so you get a unique view."
4. Swim wild in a meadow
The Norfolk Broads around How Hill
© Andrew Banner on Unsplash
With all that water, you would imagine that the Broads must have more wild swimming spots than your average ocean. However, seeing as there are also an incredibly high number of boats everywhere, you have to be careful and pick your spots.
Known by locals but hard to locate, you can find Caen Meadow just off Church Lane in the village, roughly 100m past the junction with Skinners Lane. Many people swim here, enjoying the sandy beach and shallow entry and also the deeper water. Remember to keep an eye out for river boats which often sail into the area.
5. Hike part of the Weavers' Way
Cromer offers stunning vistas over the Norfolk coastline
© Flickr CC
Ok, it’s a 61-mile stretch from Cromer to Great Yarmouth so we’re not suggesting for a minute you take on the whole thing, but take on part of the trail and you won't be disappointed. The stretch that covers the Broads in particular is stunning with riverside views galore and a whole host of other paths to pick up, including the Wherryman’s Way which runs along the River Yare through stunning riverside villages. Cromer to Aylsham alone is a real treat.
6. Swim with seals on Horsey Beach
There are seals aplenty on Norfolk's Horsey Beach
© Airwolfhound; Flickr CC
Just because it’s called Horsey Beach does not mean it’s all about equine fun. Norfolk is home to many seal colonies, and the viewing platform on Horsey Beach is arguably the best destination to see them, especially during the winter months when more than a thousand seal pups are born.
Just up the road from Horsey is Waxham Beach where it is possible to actually swim with the seals. Ben Garrod, ambassador for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, says: “I’ve had the privilege of swimming with seals at Waxham. They’re so inquisitive and playful – you can keep swimming with dolphins, I’d rather swim with seals any day!"
7. Run the sand dunes at Winterton
Dune running is a great way to build your lactate threshold
© Wendy North; Flickr CC
There's no shortage of sand dunes along the Norfolk coastline, in particular at Winterton, Horsey and Sea Palling where people from all over the country come to prepare for the Marathon Des Sables, according to Martin Rendle – a member of the Dunerunner running club. You don’t have to be an MDS-wannabe to take on these dunes – some locals surf down them. Book in your board meeting sometime.
8. Sail the Broads like a pro
Sailing a proper boat will test your strength, co-ordination and patience
© Paul Blathwayt; Flickr CC
Anyone can take a boat or barge out on to the Broads and pretend their seafaring game is up there with a dolphin’s. But taking out a sailing boat is a completely different kettle of fish (don't take a kettle) and will test your strength, co-ordination and, most likely, patience. You can sail on all the Broads, but Barton Turf is probably the best after improvement work by the Broads Authority. There’s plenty of wildlife to glimpse while you’re struggling with your sails, including otters and countless species of birds and fish.
9. Forage for fungi in Aylsham Woods
Not only does TheCanoeMan er, canoe, but he also organises bushcraft adventures around the Broads area, where you can learn fire lighting by friction, spoon carving and shelter building. “There are pure foraging courses available as well, you can find lots of fungi to eat at the right time of year, and obviously a variety of wild flowers and plants that you can also use to eat.” And if you want to combine canoeing and bushcraft, there’s even a Bushcraft Canoe Trail on offer too.
10. Cycle off-road in Stalham
Cycle off-road and meet the locals
© Daniel Gheorghe on Unsplash
It might be flatter than a Dutch pancake but the vast, flat expanses of the Broads are a dream for cyclists, owing to diverse routes and sumptuous views. All of which means there aren’t many quiet spots. However, Peter Howe, of Broadland Cycle Hire, recommends a ride around Stalham which offers something for everyone given its quiet country lanes, and an off-road section too. “This ride takes in some of the most peaceful and least explored parts of the Broads, including an off-road section of the Weavers' Way long distance path offering the opportunity to visit the only lock in the Broads at Honing."