Circular Walk around Rockland Broad

Rockland Broad forms part of the Mid Yare Valley Nature Reserve and is owned and managed by the RSPB. This route starts by following part of the Wherrymans Way, a long distance path from Great Yarmouth to Norwich.

Rockland Broad forms part of the Mid Yare Valley Nature Reserve and is owned and managed by the RSPB. This route starts by following part of the Wherrymans Way, a long distance path from Great Yarmouth to Norwich. The path follows the edge of the open fields up to a Bird Hide overlooking Rockland Broad and is a great place for a little stop to see what birds are about. The path continues along the River Yare round to Beauchamp Arms before turning right and following a public bridleway down to Claxton and then following country lanes back to Rockland. Along this stretch of road you will also pass the remains of Claxton Castle – one of only a few close to the Broads.

1) From Rockland Staithe, follow the track alongside the dyke heading away from the road and after a short distance the track bends round to the right. Continue a bit further along and at the end of the track the public footpath is on the left and follows a concrete flood barrier along the edge of the marshes. Follow this for about half a kilometre or so to the bird hide. From the bird hide continue along the Wherrymans Way which runs parallel to Short Dyke and then joins the River Yare and bends right to follow the River towards the Beauchamp Arms. Continue along the path until you reach the little bridge just before the Beauchamp Arms.

2) Turn right to follow the public bridleway along the right hand side of the Dyke. The path continues south west for about 900m before joining a barrow lane and then heading up to the road.

3) Turn right and follow the road through the village of Claxton. Half way along this road you will see the ruins of Claxton Castle over to the right, net to a large manor house (no public access to the ruins). Continue a further 600m past the castle ruins and at the junction, follow the road round to the right and continue along this road back to Rockland Staithe.

Free parking and mooring is available at Rockland Staithe. The New Inn is the main pub along the walk and is opposite Rockland Staithe.

Route and photographs supplied by Joe Jackson.