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BARTON BROAD

The second largest of the Norfolk Broads and subject to substantial improvement a few years ago

An Introduction to Barton Broad

Adventure Sailing
Barton Punt Club
Barton Fishing
Nancy Oldfield Trust
Wherry Sailing

Barton Broad is the second largest of the Norfolk Broads and was subject to substantial improvement a few years ago. A multi-million pound project was undertaken by the Broads Authority aimed at restoring the silting broad to clear water. The project on the whole has been a success and Barton Broad is once again a real boating paradise. The Broad is home to numerous wildlife, including many species of birds, fish and even otters, who have returned to the broad following the clearwater project. An annual sailing regatta is held every August.

Barton Broad Hotels

Barton Broad MAP

Barton Broad Map
 

Norfolk Cottages

Barton Broad Guided Tour


We start our tour of Barton Broad at the top, where the channel branches left to Barton Turf and right to Wayford bridge, Stalham & Sutton (the River Ant).
Top of Barton Broad
The top of Barton Broad - left Barton Turf, right Stalham and Sutton

Barton Broad itself is a boating paradise - Cruising, Sailing, Kayaking or just messing about!
Cruiser on Barton Broad
Cruiser on Barton Broad
Sailing on Barton Broad
Sailing on Barton Broad
Topper Sailing
Topper Sailing on Barton Broad
Kayaking
Kayaking and Canoeing on Barton Broad

Barton Broad is home to the Norfolk Punt Club, who have a pontoon anchored in the middle of the broad and they organize racing for a wide variety of craft and has some 550 members. It tries to maintain its original ethos of informal, economical and gentlemanly sailing combined with a love of the beauty of the local environment. In addition to weekly racing there are a number of Open Events held throughout the season and each August, the Club holds its Open Regatta, attended by sailors from all over the Broads racing a wide variety of boats.
Sailing Races
Sailing Races on Barton Broad
Norfolk Punt Club Pontoon
Barton Sailing Club Pontoon

The Nancy Oldfield Trust, based in Neatishead, also have a pontoon on Barton Broad and they offer sailing (and other pursuits) to those with disabilities. Whilst teaching in a school in East London, Richard Kenyon, a qualified sailor, had an idea of teaching life skills to handicapped children through sailing. He decided to act upon his idea and in 1984, the Nancy Oldfield Trust was born. The Trust provides sailing and other water-based activities for the disabled, both mentally and physically handicapped adults and children. See their website for more details.
Nancy Oldfield Trust Pontoon
Nancy Oldfield Trust Pontoon
Nancy Oldfield Trust Sailiing
Nancy Oldfield Trust Sailing

Barton Broad is also a fabulous place to see a lot of sky! or spot the local wildlife.
Flying Birds
Norfolk Birds in the sky
Norfolk Sky
Norfolk Broads Sky
Geese Family
Norfolk Broads Wildlife
Swan
Swan on Barton Broad

At the West end of the Broad is the entrance to Lime Kiln Dike, which is adjacent to a thatched boathouse near Gayes staithe. Lime Kiln Dyke takes us towards Neatishead and is narrow and surrounded by woods - a great place for a paddle in a canoe!
Lime Kiln Dyke Entrance
Entrance to Lime Kiln Dyke from Barton Broad
Barton Boathouse
Barton Broad Boathouse
Lime Kiln Dyke
Lime Kiln Dyke
Canoeing Down Lime Kiln Dyke
Canoeing down Lime Kiln Dyke

Gayes Staithe is the starting point of boat trips onto Barton Broad aboard the solar powered boat "The Ra". These trips are run by the Broads Authority - see their website for details.
Gays Staithe
Gayes Staithe, near Neatishead
Gays Staithe
Gayes Staithe Boat Trips
The Ra
The Broads Authority Ra
The Ra
Solar Powered Boat, The Ra

The only way to see Barton Broad on foot is via the Boardwalk near Neatishead. It has a car-park about half a mile from the entrance, but there is a small car-park at the entrance for the disabled. The boardwalk itself takes you on a journey through ancient woodland to a viewing platform at the end.
Boardwalk Carpark
Barton Boardwalk Carpark
Boardwalk Sign
Barton Boardwalk Sign
Boardwalk
Barton Broadwalk
Viewing Platform
Barton Boardwalk Viewpoint
 
The view from the platform over Barton Broad is amazing - and you get a different view at different times of the year - this one was taken in January.
Barton Broad
Barton Broad View
Information Board
Barton Boardwalk Viewing Platform Sign

The River Ant opens out onto the Broad just above Irstead village. A sign at Irstead describes the recent project to vastly improve the water quality of Barton Broad. This project has been successful in helping both the local wildlife and also all kinds of leisure users.
Irstead Cruising
River Ant, Irstead
Barton Broad
River Ant opens onto Barton Broad
Barton Broad Sign
Barton Broad Sign - Clear Water Project
Fishing
Barton Broad Fishing

Sailaway - Barton Turf - Norfolk Broads

A real gem, perfect for a romantic break, this unique property boasts a pretty veranda and an ideal location just 500 yards from the wide expanses of water on Barton Broad, where visitors can fish, hire boats, launch their own boats on the public slipway or simply enjoy the waterborne world going by. Set in the grounds of the owners' home, and offering a high standard of comfort, as well as its own private patio and blissful hot tub, this lovingly restored holiday retreat enjoys a wonderfully relaxing ambience. Gorgeous North Norfolk beaches, Wroxham's restaurants and river boat trips (4 miles) and medieval Norwich with its cathedral and excellent shopping are all just a short drive. Pub and shop 1½ miles.
Sailaway
Click the picture for more information and availability
Sailaway
Click the picture for more information and availability

Norfolk Boating Holidays

Norfolk Cottages

Barton Broad Summary of what to SEE and DO

Rural Norfolk Views
Wildlife
Sailing, Boating and Canoeing
A great spot to Fish
Boat Trips aboard "Ra"
Barton Board Walk
Sailing Club
Simply the best of the Norfolk Broads. Why? because it is one of the largest and has so much to see and do.

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