Best Canoeing and Kayaking Routes on the Norfolk Broads
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 9:59 pm
While the Norfolk Broads are famous for motor cruisers and sailing yachts, these waterways are also perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Quiet backwaters, hidden dykes, and peaceful broads offer paddlers a unique perspective on this beautiful landscape. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced canoeist, the Broads has routes to suit all skill levels.
This guide highlights some of the most enjoyable canoeing and kayaking routes, practical tips for safe paddling, and essential information to help you plan your trip.
Why Paddle the Broads?
Tranquil Experience: Glide through reed beds where engines are silent.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot herons, kingfishers, marsh harriers, and otters.
Accessibility: Many slipways and hire centres cater for paddlers.
Variety: Choose from open broads, narrow dykes, or winding rivers.
Top Canoeing and Kayaking Routes
1. Hickling Broad to Horsey Mere
Highlights:
England’s largest broad.
Rich birdlife in the nature reserves.
Horsey Windpump and the National Trust moorings.
Route Notes:
Start from Hickling Staithe.
Paddle north along the marked channels.
Cross Heigham Sound and proceed to Horsey Mere.
Return the same way or arrange a pick-up.
Approximate Distance:
5–7 miles return trip.
2. Coltishall to Horstead Mill
Highlights:
Peaceful stretch of the River Bure.
Riverside pubs at Coltishall Common.
The picturesque old mill at Horstead.
Route Notes:
Launch from Coltishall Common.
Paddle upriver against a gentle current.
Mooring and picnic area at the mill.
Approximate Distance:
2 miles return trip.
3. Barton Broad and Paddy’s Lane
Highlights:
Expansive open water.
Quiet reed-fringed margins.
Good for sunrise or sunset paddles.
Route Notes:
Launch from Barton Turf Staithe.
Circle the broad or head into the sheltered channels to the south.
Approximate Distance:
2–4 miles.
4. Wroxham to Belaugh
Highlights:
Gentle river bends.
Pretty village church at Belaugh.
Less boat traffic than downstream.
Route Notes:
Launch at Wroxham Staithe.
Paddle upstream along the River Bure.
Stop at Belaugh Staithe.
Approximate Distance:
3 miles return trip.
5. River Ant: Wayford Bridge to Dilham
Highlights:
Narrow, peaceful river.
Surrounded by reeds and alder carr woodland.
Excellent for birdwatching.
Route Notes:
Launch near Wayford Bridge.
Paddle north to Dilham.
Return the same way.
Approximate Distance:
3 miles return trip.
6. Rockland Broad
Highlights:
Broad bordered by grazing marshes.
Feels wild and remote.
Good spot for dragonflies and waterfowl.
Route Notes:
Launch from Rockland Staithe.
Explore the broad and surrounding channels.
Approximate Distance:
3–5 miles.
If bringing your own craft, be aware that Broads Authority tolls apply—short-term visitor licenses can be purchased online or at yacht stations.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
Wear a Buoyancy Aid: Essential for all paddlers.
Check the Weather: Wind and waves can build quickly on open broads.
Avoid Busy Channels: Keep clear of larger boats.
Take Water and Snacks: No shops in many areas.
Respect Wildlife: Keep a distance from nesting birds.
Use Sun Protection: There is little shade on the water.
Conservation and Access
Some areas are protected for wildlife and may have seasonal restrictions. Always follow Broads Authority signage and keep to marked channels. In winter, certain backwaters are closed to protect over-wintering birds.
Final Thoughts
Canoeing and kayaking are some of the best ways to experience the Norfolk Broads slowly and quietly. With a little planning, you can explore hidden corners and discover the rich natural heritage that makes this national park so special.
This guide highlights some of the most enjoyable canoeing and kayaking routes, practical tips for safe paddling, and essential information to help you plan your trip.
Why Paddle the Broads?
Tranquil Experience: Glide through reed beds where engines are silent.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot herons, kingfishers, marsh harriers, and otters.
Accessibility: Many slipways and hire centres cater for paddlers.
Variety: Choose from open broads, narrow dykes, or winding rivers.
Top Canoeing and Kayaking Routes
1. Hickling Broad to Horsey Mere
Highlights:
England’s largest broad.
Rich birdlife in the nature reserves.
Horsey Windpump and the National Trust moorings.
Route Notes:
Start from Hickling Staithe.
Paddle north along the marked channels.
Cross Heigham Sound and proceed to Horsey Mere.
Return the same way or arrange a pick-up.
Approximate Distance:
5–7 miles return trip.
2. Coltishall to Horstead Mill
Highlights:
Peaceful stretch of the River Bure.
Riverside pubs at Coltishall Common.
The picturesque old mill at Horstead.
Route Notes:
Launch from Coltishall Common.
Paddle upriver against a gentle current.
Mooring and picnic area at the mill.
Approximate Distance:
2 miles return trip.
3. Barton Broad and Paddy’s Lane
Highlights:
Expansive open water.
Quiet reed-fringed margins.
Good for sunrise or sunset paddles.
Route Notes:
Launch from Barton Turf Staithe.
Circle the broad or head into the sheltered channels to the south.
Approximate Distance:
2–4 miles.
4. Wroxham to Belaugh
Highlights:
Gentle river bends.
Pretty village church at Belaugh.
Less boat traffic than downstream.
Route Notes:
Launch at Wroxham Staithe.
Paddle upstream along the River Bure.
Stop at Belaugh Staithe.
Approximate Distance:
3 miles return trip.
5. River Ant: Wayford Bridge to Dilham
Highlights:
Narrow, peaceful river.
Surrounded by reeds and alder carr woodland.
Excellent for birdwatching.
Route Notes:
Launch near Wayford Bridge.
Paddle north to Dilham.
Return the same way.
Approximate Distance:
3 miles return trip.
6. Rockland Broad
Highlights:
Broad bordered by grazing marshes.
Feels wild and remote.
Good spot for dragonflies and waterfowl.
Route Notes:
Launch from Rockland Staithe.
Explore the broad and surrounding channels.
Approximate Distance:
3–5 miles.
If bringing your own craft, be aware that Broads Authority tolls apply—short-term visitor licenses can be purchased online or at yacht stations.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
Wear a Buoyancy Aid: Essential for all paddlers.
Check the Weather: Wind and waves can build quickly on open broads.
Avoid Busy Channels: Keep clear of larger boats.
Take Water and Snacks: No shops in many areas.
Respect Wildlife: Keep a distance from nesting birds.
Use Sun Protection: There is little shade on the water.
Conservation and Access
Some areas are protected for wildlife and may have seasonal restrictions. Always follow Broads Authority signage and keep to marked channels. In winter, certain backwaters are closed to protect over-wintering birds.
Final Thoughts
Canoeing and kayaking are some of the best ways to experience the Norfolk Broads slowly and quietly. With a little planning, you can explore hidden corners and discover the rich natural heritage that makes this national park so special.