Mission Statement: Discover the delights of the largest of Norfolk’s Broads
Launch Location: Hickling Staithe
Trail Introduction:
This trail starts close to the Pleasure Boat Inn on Hickling Staithe and takes in the sights and sounds of Hickling Broad along the way. There are opportunities to explore the quiet backwaters and watch the amazing wildlife. South west to westerly winds are particularly good for the more inexperienced sailor, whilst for those more experienced, it is possible to have a great sail on Hickling in any wind direction.
About the Area:
Hickling Broad was created by extensive peat digging in the 12th & 14th century followed by a rise in sea levels. It is only 1.5m deep at its deepest point. Hickling Broad is the largest of the Norfolk Broads and is an internationally important haven for wildlife. The surrounding wetland habitats include reed beds (the largest in England) and grazing marshes, making it an important breeding ground for many birds. It holds a large percentage of the UK common crane population, and is home to the marsh harrier and the rare ‘booming’ bittern. At dusk and dawn, you may catch sight of the Chinese water deer and red deer that graze in the marshes nearby, or a barn owl out hunting, whilst in late summer the beautiful Swallowtail butterfly can be spotted. On the west side you will see the area called Chara Bay which is a reed swamp restoration project aimed at restoring the area back to its original banks based on aerial photographs taken in 1946.The first ever photo of a bittern was taken here in 1911 by Emma Turner and was evidence of the birds return to the UK since its decline in the 1800’s.
Interesting fact:
Standing almost one metre above sea level, the broad was used as a reserve seaplane base during World War One, eventually only being used for two emergency landings.
Round Trip Distance:
4 miles.
Approximate Time that the Trail will take:
2 hours.
OS Map or Chart:
OL 40.
Trail Details:
This map is for information use only, not for navigation.
- 1 Launch at Hickling Parish Staithe. There is a manual winch post at the top of the slipway to help launch and recover heavier boats. There is also room to use a vehicle if needed.
- 2 Make your way out of the narrow and shallow dyke (paddles would be helpful) and turn starboard (right) at the end, sailing past the pretty thatched boathouses.
- 3 At the end of the dyke bear south east – the route will take you past the man-made beach and you will see Hickling Broad Sailing Club on your starboard side with some moored yachts going away from the Club. Remember to stay within the port and starboard marker posts to stay in the channel, as the waters are shallow and weeded outside of this.
- 4 As you sail down the Broad you will sail past Catfield Dyke to starboard which was at one time a hub for the trading wherries which transported farming goods, coal and building materials around the Broads.
- 5 Towards the end of the Broad you will sail past Swim Coots, a now unused drainage mill which was erected to help drain the low-lying marshes. Spend some time here looking at the many varieties of wading birds.
- 6 Sail up the channel into Heigham Sound ( Deep Go Dyke) where you will be able to moor alongside the channel and enjoy a picnic. The starboard side here has wooden vertical sides, access steps and flat grassy areas for the perfect picnic stop.
- 7 Retrace your steps sailing back up the channel. See if you can spot Whiteslea Lodge, a large thatched building on the North Shore as you leave Heigham Sound.
- 8 On leaving Heigham Sound you will pass Hickling Nature Reserve. This is a perfect spot for some birdwatching, you may be lucky and see a crane or bittern in the reeds.
- 9 Sail back up to the north of the Broad and stop off at the Pleasure Boat Inn moorings (pre booking required) for some refreshments before returning to Hickling Parish Staithe.
Trip Extensions:
If you want to extend your stay you could visit
https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/HicklingBroad
Tidal Information:
Although Hickling is connected (eventually) to the North Sea, it is so far inland that the tide on Hickling Broad is not a factor and you can launch and sail at anytime with the same ease.
Toilets:
There is a toilet block at the start of the main trail and also a toilet block at the end of the trail extension.
Toilets What3Words:
https://what3words.com/birthing.racetrack.ocean
Toilets Information:
Open all year 24/7
Page Month Published: March 2025
Dinghy Trail Sponsor: