Day 4 - WOMACK WATER TO SOUTH WALSHAM 

Was awake early this morning, so I took advantage of the pleasant weather and strolled halfway to the village, and sat on a bench under an oak tree for awhile. When I got back to the boat, Paul was up and making tea. I used the hose pipe, and let the water tank fill up while having breakfast.

Ludham Early Morning

We set off soon after, and returned to the river, this time turning left into unexplored territory. The river was just as wide, and there was nothing really to look at, so I had a quick shower. When I got back on deck, we were passing holiday cottages on both sides of the river.

Cruising Womack Water

Approaching Potter Heigham

I asked Paul if he had seen any of the cottages with a Westie  dog, he said he hadn't, then a few minutes later he spotted one. There was a lady sitting on her porch with her dog, and she was looking at me, and she seemed to know who I was. It was Sally-Ann from broadlandholidays. It was really good to finally get to say hello, as we have been in Norfolk on the same weeks, but never managed to cross each-other's paths.

The Infamous Bridge

Exploring Potter Heigham

We were now in Potter Heigham, and approaching the infamous bridge, but there wasn't a single space on the river, so I turned the boat and reluctantly returned downstream. As we were passing Sally-Ann's cottage, she suggested that I moor in Herbert Woods boatyard. I did another U-turn, and entered the boatyard. It seemed very busy, but there were quite a few spaces and I chose a space on the end.

Safely Moored at Herbert Woods

We walked into the village proper and bought ice creams in the little post office, and walked back to the bridge area. The first port of call was Lathams, which seems to sell everything, with plenty of bargains. We bought some cheese, rolls and cakes for lunch, and had a good look around at other items on offer, it was very busy and everyone seemed to be buying. We looked around and crossed the bridge, before walking back by the boatyard for lunch.

Looking Down River

Watching The World

Sally-Ann must have gone out, as her cottage was locked up as we passed it. It was a very pleasant cruise back down the River Thurne, and as we passed the white windmill, marking Thurne Dike, it was with regret that passed by. We were not stopping there this time, no Lion pub and no pub quiz.

Nobody Home At Water's Edge

Passing Thurne

We were soon back on the Bure, and as we approached St Bennett's Abbey, we turned down Fleet Dike, and moored as near to South Walsham broad as we were able. We tied up, locked up and set off on the long walk towards the village. There are two broads making up South Walsham broad, the inner and outer broad. The outer broad has some lovely properties around them, which it why there are no public moorings here, while the inner broad in a nature reserve and therefore out of bounds. You have to walk around both broads to reach the village, so it takes a over an hour to reach. The walk is very pretty, and you have to walk across a farmer's field at one point.

Passing Pretty Cottages

Our first stop was Fairhaven Water Gardens which was just before the actual village. We spent a very pleasant hour of so walking around the gardens, which consisted of an number of overgrown streams that feed into South Walsham broad. There were plenty of huge trees and plants, that seemed somehow prehistoric, and in some parts the water garden was like a jungle. We sat down by the lake, where they run boat trips onto the broad. We were told that there was an otter around, but we never saw it. We made our way back to the entrance, and walked into the village.

Fairhaven Water Garden

King Oak

Overlooking The Inner Broad

Green Man?

Well-Planted Jungle

We passed the two churches, which both share the same churchyard. The village green here was very pretty, with seats under a huge oak tree. We walked on down to the Kings Head pub, which is now a Chinese restaurant, and picked up their takeaway menu. It was far too early for dinner, but we decided that the staithe was too far away to make the journey back later that night. We walked back to Fairhaven, and decided to have tea. with some delicious carrot cake.

Entering South Walsham

South Walsham Cottages

Here On The Village Green

St. Mary's......

.....And St. Lawrence's

Had a really pleasant walk back to the boat, and walking back across the field I noticed the huge sky that you always get in Norfolk, bordered by a line of trees and cottages. You sometimes take the wild beauty of the place for granted, then it suddenly astounds you. Once back on the lane, we walked past some really pretty thatched cottages. It's a very long walk, but really is worth the effort, if you ever find yourself on Fleet Dike please try it for yourself.

Beautiful Norfolk Scenery

Later that evening, we ordered some Chinese takeaway, which was delivered to us just behind the staithe. The food was really tasty, but it was strange so sit on the boat, and forsake the bright lights of the village restaurant. We watched some DVDs and had a relative early night.

Moored Up On Fleet Dike