South Walsham Broad
Fleet Dyke
Access to South Walsham Broad is via Fleet Dyke, which is opposite St Benet’s Abbey. The dyke is a mile long. It has two formal moorings with the possibility for wild mooring in a number of places.
Fleet Dyke Moorings
The first formal mooring is on a bend in Fleet Dyke. The moorings offer good views over South Walsham Marshes and catch the sun for most of the day.
Footpath along Fleet Dyke
The footpath along Fleet Dyke to South Walsham Broad is an attractive one with views across the marshes. Look out for the wildlife; if you’re lucky you may spot a Chinese Water Deer although they are quite timid and easily startled.
Fleet Dyke Moorings
This is the second section of formal moorings found in Fleet Dyke and the nearest to South Walsham Broad. From the moorings on Fleet Dyke it is just a short walk of a few miles to Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden. The 2nd Lord Fairhaven left the garden in trust in 1973, it opened to the public in 1975. The garden is renowned for its fabulous collection of Candelabra Primulas and it’s magnificent autumn colours in late October and early November. Boat Trips on an Edwardian-style launch ‘Primrose’ run every day from April to the end of October.
South Walsham Broad
There are two broads at South Walsham the inner broad and the outer broad pictured above. The outer broad is available for cruising and mooring by mud weight. Visitors to the inner broad are restricted to cruising, mooring is not allowed.
South Walsham Staithe
Situated in the southeastern corner of the broad is the village staithe and slipway. The water at the staithe is very shallow, suitable for rowing boats only. Adjacent to the staithe is a small dyke; the dyke is for private craft only.
South Walsham Broad Circular Walk
A pleasant circular stroll from the moorings on Fleet Dyke leads passed the village staithe around South Walsham Broad to the village of Pilson Green with its village pond.
From the moorings follow the footpath alongside the dyke to Fleet Lane. Follow Fleet Lane passed the boatyards and broad side lodges to the village staithe. The staithe looks out over the broad and has a convenient bench to sit while watching the bird life.
Turn right after the staithe along Kingfisher Lane. The lane passes attractive cottages with glimpses of South Walsham Broad. Kingfisher Cottage with its thatched roof is in an idyllic position on the banks of the broad.
If you would like to walk into the village of South Walsham look out for the footpath that leads off Wymers Lane across fields to the village. Unfortunately both pubs and the post office are now closed.
On reaching Pilson Green turn left along Broad Lane to return to the dyke or right to visit the village pond.