Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail

Connected to the River Bure, but not open to boat traffic, Hoveton Great Broad is one of the most peaceful waterways in the region. Providing an important habitat for birds, insects, fish and other creatures great and small, the Broad is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the modern world and get close to nature.

Route

The best way to explore Hoveton Great Broad and the landscape that surrounds it is to take a walk along the local nature trail. Laid out way back in 1968, the trail was one of the first in the region and has been entertaining and educating visitors for decades.

Get to the start of the trail by parking up near Salhouse Broad car park and then walking down to the nearby moorings. Between May and October, a passenger ferry links the moorings with the beginning of the trail.

Alternatively, if you’re travelling by boat, you can moor up on the River Bure, just on the other site of Hoveton Great Broad, and walk to the start of the route.

The trail itself was designed to follow the natural twists and turns of the woodland it passes through. As well as helping to showcase the most beautiful parts of the Broad, this also helps to give visitors a good idea of the landscape and geography of the area.

Natural England and Hoveton Estate have worked hard to preserve the pristine environment of the Broad. As much of the route is laid out across an island, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the landscape of the Broads devoid of almost all human influence.

Difficulty 

 The Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail takes just 30 minutes to one hour to complete. This makes it suitable for people of all ages. However, as many parts of the route take you along narrow walkways and through woodland, it’s not accessible to people in wheelchairs and those with significant mobility issues.

Facilities

 As the nature trail meanders through local woodland and along waterways, there aren’t a lot of facilities available on the way. Bring drinks and snacks with you to keep you going as you explore the local countryside. The ferry from Salhouse Broad to the start of the trail only runs between May and October, so make sure you visit the area in the spring, summer or early autumn months if you want to experience this unique route.

Points of Interest

 If you’re lucky, you’ll see a number of birds, insects and other creatures as you explore the nature trail. Find out a little about the flora and fauna native to the area before you set out to get as much as possible out of your walk.

If this has got you in the mood to strap on your walking boots, get out and explore, you’ll find more information on local routes and trails on our site. Take a look around today to find out more.