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The Broads Walking Guide

Walking in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads offers a unique mosaic of rivers and shallow lakes, marshes, fens and woodland. This unique habitat is home to some of the rarest plants and creatures in the UK. The Broads is also one of Europe's most popular inland waterways. Once an essential transport network the waterways have evolved for recreational use. Besides the blend of wildlife and distinctive landscapes, man has made his mark with distinctive buildings including some fine windmills.

The Broads

The Broads is rich in history with many places to visit and unique wildlife. There are restored windmills, medieval churches, beautiful gardens and villages plus the waterways themselves. Boats are an integral part of the Broads, which is one of the most extensive and varied inland waterways in the country. Over 125 miles (200 km) of lock-free tidal rivers are available for navigation.

Despite the lack of hills, man-made structures rise into the big skies above the Broads. Dominating the skyline are the wind mills and wind pumps. Berney Arms Mill is the tallest wind pump in the country and offers wonderful views of the marshes. Horsey (NT), Stracey Arms and Thurne Dyke wind pumps are all open to the public and along with Sutton wind mill offer an interesting objective for walks.

The Broads National Park offers many opportunities for walking with over 190 miles (300 km) of footpaths through some of the area's most attractive landscapes. Varying from short nature trails to more strenuous hikes there is something to suit all tastes and abilities. For those walkers who wish to avoid steep climbs then this is the perfect place to walk with few challenging gradients in the varied landscape.

Three long distance footpaths also run through the National Park. The Weavers' Way runs from Cromer on the north Norfolk coast, to Great Yarmouth on the east coast, passing through the northern part of the Broads. At Great Yarmouth it links up with the Angles Way which follows the Waveney and Little Ouse valleys to Knettishall Heath Country Park in Breckland. The Wherryman's Way runs along the River Yare between Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

For more information on this area visit the
official web site for The Broads

Further Information

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