Reedham

Sunrise at Reedham the river calm before the tide turns and the ebb begins.

The village of Reedham is on high ground overlooking the river, the area alongside the quay being the most attractive. The tide flows very fast here, always come in to moor against the tide. Don't try to turn around after the downstream end of the public moorings as on an ebb tide you could be carried into the bridge! The quay is long but Reedham is very popular and space can be limited. Double mooring is allowed apart from at The Ship Inn,

The quay at Reedham like at other places on the Broads has had flood prevention work carried out. The new wall has become a popular place to sit to watch the comings and goings of the various craft.

Alongside the quay, is a post office and gift shop. If you follow one of the roads leading off the quay and up the hill, you will find a Fish & Chip Shop and a well stocked licensed grocers. Further afield near the church is Pettitt's Showroom & Feathercraft. There are water points along the quay and at Sandersons Marine.

The Yare Navigation Race is held each year at the end of September, this race for sailing cruisers starts at Coldham Hall and goes down to Breydon Water and back again. Reedham is the perfect spot to watch the skill of the skippers as they manoeuvre their craft as they wait for the railway swing bridge to open.

Reedham Swing Bridge has a headroom at average high water of 10' 3" which is enough for most cruisers except at very high tides. Unless two red flags are flying, the bridge will open for yachts subject to rail traffic.

If the bridge is open look out for coasters or yachts manoeuvring. Coasters now only use the Yare in the winter months.

Reedham is well served by pubs, and you won't have to walk very far either. The Lord Nelson is situated in the middle of the public moorings. The Ship right next to the railway bridge, The Railway Tavern near the railway station (at the other end of the village to the bridge). The Reedham Ferry Inn is further upstream but within staggering distance! There is also a working men's club which welcomes visitors.

If the moorings at Reedham are full you may find space at the Ferry Inn, just under a mile upstream. Care is needed here as the chain ferry operates across this stretch of the Yare. At one time this was the only crossing point between Yarmouth and Norwich.

Don't pass to near the ferry when it's operating as your propeller my foul the chains.

The riverside at Reedham is one of the most attractive on the southern broads, its one of my favourite places and should not be missed.