“The Broads is a fascinating area with a rich history, reflected in the many wonderful places to visit and the unique wildlife. There are restored windmills, medieval churches, beautiful gardens and great places for family visits. If you enjoy walking or cycling, there are also many routes to choose from.
For many people, a great way to explore the Broads is by water, as much of the history of the Broads revolves around the way the rivers have been used over the years. For many, the charm of the Broads rests on the illusion of remoteness you get when you’re on the water. You can be near a village without knowing that there is anybody or anything for miles around. So, whatever you do, try to get afloat and you will find much to surprise and delight you.”
Frank Halliday, Mill on The Broads
“Over two million people visit the Broads every year, exploring by land or water or a combination of both. There are many different ways to enjoy the area, including sailing, motor-boating, canoeing, fishing, bird-watching, walking and cycling.
Boats are an integral part of the Broads, which is one of the most extensive and varied inland waterways in the country, and one of the most popular in Europe. It offers 200 kilometres (125 miles) of boating on lock-free tidal rivers.”
“They are connected by over 200 miles of gently flowing, navigable rivers, dykes and cuts that offer ideal cruising conditions at between 5 & 7 mph. You can cruise right into the heart of the city of Norwich, or travel east as far as Great Yarmouth, where the Broads eventually affords access, (for those with suitable craft), to the North Sea. Providing you`re not in a hurry you can travel many leisurely miles throughout the Broads region, for days on end.”
You can hire a variety of boats on the Broads. A great adventure are the original Wherries:
The pleasure wherry “Hathor”
Like Albion, Hathor (pronounced “Heart – or” is a product of another age. Built in 1905 she has the hull and sailing rig of a commercial wherry but the hull is kitted out for passenger’s comfort and enjoyment.
Several Pleasure wherries were either converted from commercial ones as trains and the internal combustion engine took over their trading activities, or built new like Hathor. These were the first hire boats available on the broads where gentlemen (and their ladies) would come and be sailed around and looked after by their ‘man’ (and usually a ‘boy’ as well).
Hi
I am writing a book on the Wherryman’s Way and am looking for a photo of the Wherry Albion on the Yare.
Have you ever taken anything that might fit the bill – either of Albion or of other stretches of the Yare?
Many thanks
Steve