RIVER BURE

The River Bure is the longest, and in places the busiest, of the Norfolk Broads Rivers. The Bure rises near Aylsham which was the original head of navigation. Nowadays, the head of navigation is 10 miles downstream at Coltishall Bridge. After Aylsham Lock and Burgh Bridge, the Bure passes through Buxton Lamas, Coltishall, Belaugh, Wroxham, Horning, past St. Benets Abbey, Acle, Stokesby, along the northern border of the Halvergate Marshes, through Runham and Great Yarmouth where it meets Breydon Water and flows into the sea at Gorleston.

Our tour of the River Bure starts at Buxton Mill, near Coltishall. The mill was built in 1754 by William Pepper, a merchant living locally. The building was constructed of white painted brick and weatherboard with a pantile roof and has been a prominent landmark in the village for many years. It closed as a working mill in 1970 and is now available as a holiday home - see www.BuxtonMill.co.uk for more details. A footpath leads along the bank of the River Bure towards Coltishall and makes a lovely walk.

Navigation of the River Bure starts at Coltishall. There is a lovely staithe, which is a great place to moor and enjoy a refreshment in the local pub!

The bridge at Wroxham is the start of one of the busiest stretches of water on the Norfolk Broads - the stretch of river between Wroxham and Horning. This is because Wroxham is the start of many boating holidays, organised boat trips and day-boat hire.

Salhouse Broad takes our vote for the most beautiful of the Norfolk Broads and yet it is one of the smallest. It is surrounded by ancient woodland and is the only Broad to feature a small sandy beach. It is ideal to anchor the boat and go for a walk, enjoy a picnic or let the kids splash around.

Horning is one of the most picturesque villages on the Norfolk Broads, with its thatched cottages, riverside inns and lovely river views. The paddle steamer "Southern Comfort" sails from here and Horning is one of the few places you still hire yachts.

At the other end of Horning is Horning Ferry, where you can still get a foot ferry across the river to Woodbastwick. There is a large marina, small leisure centre and holiday cottages at Horning Ferry.

Ranworth Broad is just off the River Bure and is split into two parts. The inner Broad is closed to boats and is a nature reserve. A thatched visitors centre shows the various wildlife that can be viewed from the upstairs viewing gallery overlooking the inner Broad. The remainder of the Broad is a boating paradise with all style, shape and size of boat, and their crew can often be found having a pint of local beer in the pub! Ranworth Broad is said to be haunted by a 12th century monk that is often seen rowing his boat out onto the Broad early in the morning mist.

St. Benets Abbey is a well known land mark on the River Bure. The Abbey founded on land granted by King Canute in 1020, was at one time one of the wealthiest Benedictine houses in the country and was at the height of its prosperity in the middle ages. However it declined before the reformation. None of the ruins date from this early period as in the 18th century a brick windmill was built inside the ruins. The top of the mill is now missing due to the fact it was blown off in a gale in 1863. Legend has it that the ghost of the monk who treacherously granted access to William the Conqueror can be seen hanging from the former bell tower on each night of the 25th May.