Broads Authority: Wayford Bridge to Neatishead and return Paddle Trail

2-4 hours

Duration

8.5 miles

Distance

Out and Back

Easy

Difficulty

NR12 9LN

Start Postcode

NR12 9LN

End Postcode

A. You can park at and launch from Banks Boats, for a small fee. If you don’t have your own craft you can also hire boats and equipment from them.

B. Launch from the slipway and, at the bottom of the dyke, turn right on to the River Ant.

C. Hunsett Mill, on the left at around 1.2 miles, is a restored drainage mill which once featured on Grand Designs: House of the Year. It can now be rented as holiday accommodation.

D. Continue along the River Ant. The two small dykes on your right both go to Barton Turf. Horatio Nelson visited his sister while she was living at Barton Turf.

E. Continue to Barton Broad. Take extra care if there are strong winds on the broad. Explore the edges for a quieter and safer paddle. You'll also see more wildlife this way.

F. Barton is the second largest broad and is a Norfolk Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Look out for otters, and water birds such as grebes, ducks, swans, moorhens, coots, geese, herons and cormorants.

G. Turn right up Limekiln Dyke for Neatishead – you can drop into the White Horse for refreshments, and the village also has a community shop.

H. Spend some time exploring the village before retracing your paddle back to your start point at Wayford Bridge.

Discover More

Take a peaceful paddle along the River Ant to Barton Broad and then on to the pretty village of Netishead, where you can visit the local pub before returning to your start.

Licence Information

The waterways in this trail are managed by the Broads Authority , and it is a requirement for paddlers to hold a licence. Paddle UK’s On The Water membership includes an annual licence for here as well as other waterways.

When paddling, have your membership card with you as proof of licence; otherwise, you could face a fine. Get your digital membership card straight away with your licence and liability insurance included from www.paddleuk.org.uk.

JOIN PADDLE UK

Safety Information

We want you to have fun and a safe paddle! Here are some helpful tips to ensure you paddle responsibly and stay safe on your journey. Please take a moment to review these important safety tips:

– Always wear a correctly sized buoyancy aid

– Carry a mobile phone – in a waterproof case

– Tell Someone Where You’re Going

– Check the weather and conditions

– Know your limits

Check out some useful blogs and e-learnings on how to keep safe

Environment

Wherever and however you paddle, our Paddlers’ Code helps to ensure we can all enjoy and share the water safely and protect our precious environment.

Don’t get sick doing what you love. We know water quality is a concern for many paddlers. Click here for some simple advice on water quality and how to protect yourself.

Get informed, stay safe and make good decisions by checking the National Storm Overflow Map

Paddlers can play a vital role in keeping our waters free of harmful non-native species. It is crucial you Check, Clean and Dry you boat and equipment to prevent the spread. Click here for more information on Invasive Non-Native Species.

For more environmental advice and guidance, see our Blue Space Blogs section on the Paddle UK website.