When the sun is out and the weather is warm, there is no greater feeling than being on the water, whether on a boat, kayak, or paddleboard. My love for kayaking started after a camping trip with my friends at Salhouse Broads, but my love for the water began when my dad took us out on a tiny turquoise dinghy - I'm fairly sure I was the only person out of my brother and mum who enjoyed being on a vessel that could capsize at any minute. That love grew as I started venturing out on the Broads more frequently with friends and family. Norfolk has a variety of beautiful locations on the water, so without further ado, here are my top five spots for a quick float on the water - bonus points to the spots with a pub at the end.
Rockland Broad
An 11-minute drive from the Trowse junction off the A47 is the village of Rockland St Mary. The village has the usual amenities, a post office, church, and a pub. However, it also offers a kayaker's dream, a gateway to the Norfolk Broads. Just next to the staithe is a small car park, timed right and you'll grab a space easily - I like to go either early in the morning or just before sunset so I know a parking space will be free (also the views on the water at these times are *chef's kiss*) The walk from the car park to the slip isn't too far - there's a small bridge to cross which takes you onto the green. Unfortunately, the council has put up green fencing around the sides of the slip, forcing kayakers and paddleboarders to climb over the small gate to launch.
For those of you who have difficulty getting into or on top of a kayak/paddleboard when there's a vertical drop, you'll love Rockland - there's a slip that makes it easy to launch. As you can see from the map above, it’s a short paddle out onto a wide section of the River Yare (pronounced “Yeah” and only in a Norfolk accent) This section is home to an army of swans which can be pretty terrifying to those on a kayak but beautiful if you can get over the swans giving you the side-eye wherever you go. Paddle out a little further through one of the two cuts and you'll be on the main strip of the River Yare, turn left and you'll head to Norwich, turn right and you'll head out towards Yarmouth - both routes provide a plethora of stop-off points, fantastic views, and, most importantly, decent pubs. Speaking of pubs, opposite the staithe at Rockland was a pub called The New Inn, as I write this it is temporarily closed but fingers-crossed it re-opens soon.
Geldeston
Geldeston will always have a special place in my heart, my parents lived here for a while - only moving to accommodate two children. It's a quaint village located 2.5 miles northwest of Beccles and 14 miles from Norwich.
Opposite The Wherry Inn is the Three Rivers Pitch and Paddle, the perfect spot to launch a kayak or paddleboard. The site also operates as a campsite, offering happy campers views of the beautiful River Waveney and the countryside. To get to Three Rivers you'll drive down a narrow road where plenty of parking is available and a building with toilets, showers, and reception will be on your right. There is a charge to launch your vessel, the last time we went it was £5 - you can also rent out canoes and kayaks here.
Again, access to the water is via a slip making it easy to launch. Once on the river, you can continue straight ahead or take a left - for a quieter paddle, I'd recommend going straight as the river opens up to a section where boats are prohibited. Following this route, you'll paddle by The Locks Inn, you can moor up just outside, and enjoy a pint and some live music in the sunshine.
Next to The Locks is a bridge over the water, past this point is for kayakers and paddleboarders only - meaning you won't have to worry about moving over for boats. This route is extremely peaceful and provides some fantastic views of the countryside. If you're in the mood for a long paddle, Ellingham Mill is roughly an hour and a half away - the river can get quite choppy so bear that in mind when paddling out that far.
Hellesdon Mill
Located in Hellesdon (duh), Hellesdon Mill provides a good launching spot for paddlers looking for a less busy stretch of river. Hellesdon Mill provides a small parking area (with a height limit) and several launching spots. Unlike the above locations, this spot doesn't have a lovely smooth surface to slowly slip into the river - it can be a bit of a climb that becomes a difficult operation when carrying a kayak. It becomes more difficult when venturing out in the colder seasons, where months of rain have soaked into the ground creating a layer of boggy, marshy ground. (I learned this the hard way)
Once in the water, the river will take you under Sweet Briar Road and parallel with sections of Marriotts Way. There is some beautiful scenery along this stretch, with only the calm and soothing sounds of nature to guide you down the river (did that sound poetic? I hope it did) For a moment, you'll forget you're near busy roads and bustling parks.
A bit further along you'll end up floating by the Gibraltar Gardens pub - which also provides new and experienced paddlers the opportunity to get on the water with paddleboard hire. Close to Gibraltar Gardens is Anderson's Meadow which provides a brilliant resting spot. Carry on paddling, you'll reach St Crispin's Bridge - the end point of this particular stretch of river. The river does continue past the Mill and takes you on a beautiful stretch through Riverside, however, there is no way of getting out at this point.
Santon Downham
This particular spot is what I like to call my little hidden gem, apart from the fact that it's not so hidden and gets extremely busy when the sun is out. Santon Downham was a spot discovered by a friend and has since been our go-to location for a float on the water.
Disclaimer, this spot isn't located in Norfolk but it's fairly close to the border so we're counting it, ok? It is, however, a beautiful stretch of river with fantastic countryside views. Launching is easy with a beach-like area and a shallow section of water, making it the perfect place for beginner paddleboarders/kayakers and young children. You have the option of going left or right from the launching spot, both directions have scenic views that won't disappoint.
North Walsham/Dilham
Despite only visiting twice on the paddleboard, I can already tell it will be a favourite spot of mine. Located just a 15-minute drive from Wroxham, is the quaint village of Dilham - the village itself has a pub, castle and that's pretty much it. However, it's also home to a beautiful canal aptly named the North Walsham and Dilham Canal.
To get a taster of what the canal offered, myself and my partner decided to head to a spot outside of Dilham that would take us along a wider section of the canal. We got in at a secluded spot located just before the Wayford Bridge Inn and next to Banks Boats and Canoe Hire. This spot provided us with a slip to launch and plenty of parking. Before you get out onto the main river, you'll paddle for a short distance along a cut-through, turn left at the end and you'll paddle towards Dilham on the canal. Turn right and you'll be on the River Ant heading towards Barton.
There are several spots (probably better locations than I've suggested) where you can access the canal, one being the above location and another at a quiet camping spot called Canal Camping. Myself and a few friends decided to grab the camping gear and our paddleboards to head there for a weekend on the water. The campsite is spacious and has the usual amenities plus access to the canal. Launching from here is not the easiest and the canal is overgrown and narrow at points - great for those that love a challenge. After a tricky start, the canal opens up and provides a beautiful stretch to paddle along, running adjacent to a footpath.
Do I need to pay broads tax for a kayak or paddleboard?
Short answer, yes. The Broads Authority requires tolls to be paid if you use your kayak or SUP in their navigation area or adjacent waters. The cost? That is based on the square meter area of your vessel. More info can be found on the Broads Authority website.
What should I bring with me when kayaking or paddleboarding?
I have a few items that I always bring with me when out on the water:
Life jacket - For the love of god can we make wearing a life jacket cool, please? Life jackets are designed to do one thing and one thing only. Save your life. If you knock your head, capsize, or are unable to swim, a life jacket will keep you buoyant. Please wear one, especially if you're on the ocean or the water is deep.
Wet bag - Use this to store valuable items that you don't want falling in the water. Game changer.
Repair kit - Fortunately, I've never experienced a puncture on my paddleboard but it gives me peace of mind knowing I have it with me.
Phone - If you get into a sticky situation on the water, having your phone available could save your life.
Waterproof phone case - We all love getting those beautiful shots, but they won't be so beautiful when your phone is at the bottom of the river. Buying a waterproof case that hangs around your neck will keep it dry and secure.
Water & beer - I don't condone getting drunk getting on the water but sometimes when the sun is setting it would be rude not to have a drink. If you want to be sensible carry a bottle of water too (in all seriousness, drink plenty of water, especially on hot days)
That's all from me folks, thanks for making it this far with me. But before you go, let me leave you with a song I'll be playing over and over again until I get sick of it
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