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RIVER ANT

The shortest and in places the narrowest of the Norfolk Broads rivers.
River Ant Introduction

River Ant
Hunsett Mill
Wood Boat
How Hill
Irstead Cottage

The River Ant is the shortest, and in places the narrowest, of the Norfolk Broads rivers. It rises near North Walsham and then flows down to Wayford Bridge, where navigation starts. The Ant then flows past Hunsett Drainage Mill and into Barton Broad. After flowing through the Broad, the River Ant reaches Irstead village and then twists and turns through some of the most scenic countryside in Norfolk, before reaching How Hill, Ludham Bridge and finally flowing into the River Bure near St Benet's Abbey. Some stretches of the river can be a little shallow and busy in high season.
Local Websites: Norfolk Punt ClubNancy Oldfield Trust

River Ant Map

River Ant Map
River Ant Mill
   
 
What to See and Do
   
  Take a boat ride on the Electric Eel or the Ra
  Hire a day boat from Ludham Bridge or Stalham
  View the windmills at Hunsett or How Hill
  Visit the marshman's cottage and nature reserve
  Take a walk along the banks from Ludham Bridge
  Visit the Barton Boardwalk near Neatishead
   
   
   
   
   
   

River Ant Guided Tour

Our River Ant tour starts, along with navigation, at Wayford Bridge - where there is a boatyard, hotel (wayford Bridge Hotel) and day boat hire.
Wayford Bridge View
View from Wayford Bridge
Day Boat Hire
Day boat and canoe hire at Wayford Bridge

Not far downstream from Wayford Bridge is Hunsett drainage mill. Built in 1860, it was restored around 1970 and along with the mill house is privately owned. It has been one of the most photographed mills in the whole of Norfolk, but can only be viewed by boat as it is miles from a public road or footpath.
Hunsett Mill
Hunsett drainage mill on the River Ant
Hunsett Mill
Hunsett Drainage Windmill, Norfolk

A channel leads off the main river to Stalham and Sutton, which then divides again - don't worry, you can always just follow the signs!
Ant Divide
River Ant near Stalham and Sutton
Stalham Divide
Channel to Stalham and Sutton

The River Ant is fairly narrow in places and is lined by plenty of trees.
Broads Sailing
Broads yacht on the River Ant
Wooded Banks
Trees on the river bank

Just before the River Ant opens out onto Barton Broad, there is a channel to the right leading to the lovely village of Barton Turf. Where there is plenty of moorings for the night and an unspoilt Broadland village to explore.
Barton Turf Staithe
Barton Turf staithe, off the River Ant
Barton Turf Cottage
Cottage in Barton Turf

Next, the river opens out onto Barton Broad, which is a great place to enjoy some sailing - or just messing about in boats! Barton Broad is home to pontoons from both the Norfolk Punt Club and the Nancy Oldfield Trust.
Sailing
Sailing in Barton Broad
Kayaking
Kayak on Barton Broad
Norfolk Punt Club Pontoon
Barton punt club pontoon on Barton Broad
Nancy Oldfield Trust Pontoon
Nancy Oldfield Trust on Barton Broad
Sailing Races
Sailing Races on Barton Broad
Topper Sailing
Topper Sailing on Barton Broad

From Barton Broad, the River Ant flows through Irstead Village. There are some lovely waterside properties in Irstead.
Barton Broad
The River Ant opening onto Barton Broad
Irstead Cruising
The River Ant at Irstead
Waterside home
Waterside cottage on the River Ant at Irstead
Irstead Winter
Winter on the River Ant is peaceful

The River twists and turns until it reaches How Hill staithe. At How Hill you can visit a Marshman's cottage and there is also an Edwardian study centre.
River Ant
The River Ant in early Spring at How Hill
How Hill Stathe
The River Ant at How Hill
Toad Hole Cottage
Toad Hole Cottage at How Hill near Ludham
How Hill Study Centre
How Hill study centre near Ludham
How Hill View
The view over the River Ant at How Hill

There are a couple of windmills around How Hill ...
such as Turf Fen drainage mill.
Drainage Mill
Drainage mill on the River Ant
Turf Fen Mill
Windmill on the River Ant

Eventually the River Ant arrives at Ludham Bridge ...
where there is a boatyard, and a shop.
Ludham Bridge
Ludham Bridge on the River Ant
Ludham Bridge Boatyard
Ludham Bridge Boatyard on the River Ant

 
River Ant
Hunsett Mill
Wood Boat
How Hill
Irstead Cottage
 
 
Enjoy your cruise on the River Ant! - Comment on this tour - Return to the top of the page
 
 
Pocket Norfolk Broads

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