The Northern Broads

Mission Statement: Off the beaten track

Trail Introduction:

Starting on the River Thurne at Martham, this trail provides a route which can take you in two different directions – either to Hickling Broad or Horsey Mere, both tranquil waters on the Broads – the upper reaches of the Thurne are largely inaccessible to hire craft, making it a haven for wildlife and serenity.

About the Area:
Horsey Beach is accessible by foot from Horsey Staithe (about 1½ mile walk), and is home to a large Atlantic grey seal colony, which can often be seen on the beach. Grey seals can weigh up to 300kgs and live for 30-40 years. They are the larger of the UK seal species and can be distinguished from the common seal by its longer head and ‘roman nose’ profile. Despite numbers dropping to only 500 in the early 20th century it is estimated that there are more than 120,000 grey seals in Britain, representing 95% of the European population. If you do meet a seal it is important to give it space and keep your noise to a minimum. In 1938 Horsey was flooded several times through a half mile gap in the sea defences over a period of three months. Once the water had receded only 27 acres were not affected resulting in the farmland not being able to be farmed for 5 years. This trail connects to both the Hickling Broad trail to the north and Potter Heigham to Thurne Trail to the west

Interesting fact:
Horsey is the closest Broadland village to the coast, so is a great place to explore both the river and sandy beaches. It’s also an area of outstanding natural beauty. Its windpump, which has been recently restored is both the youngest and largest of windpumps on the Broads, and often open to the public.

Round Trip Distance:
8 miles

Approximate Time that the Trail will take:
4 hours

OS Map or Chart: OL40

Trail Details:

1. Start/Finish – Launch at Martham Boatyard ( Postcode: NR29 4RF )
2. On leaving the boatyard head East following the River Thurne, before turning to the left onto Candle Dyke
3. Sail through Candle Dyke and pass through Duck Broad to Heigham Sound – take care to stay in the main channel as the water can be shallow outside of this
4. At the top end of Heigham Sound there are two choices – either: Continue onto Hickling Broad (see the Hickling Broad Dinghy Trail), or follow steps 5 and 6 below
5. Take Meadow Dyke to Horsey Mere. This is a narrow channel abundant with wildlife. An alternative means of propulsion will be required ( oars, paddles or outboard propulsion )
6. This wide expanse of water makes for good sailing. Moorings and a tearoom are available at Horsey Staithe next to the windpump

Trip Extensions:
At point #4 above you could continue North and enter sail the Hickling Broad Dinghy Trail

Launch Point Lat and Long:
52°42’54.94″N – 1°36’32.16″E

Launch Point What3Words:
///doctors.slave.moderated

Launch Information:
£10 up to 10′ vessel, £15 for vessels over 10′ and up to 20′. Launching/recovery accessible between 8am and 16:30 Mon-Sat in season and Mon-Fri out of season. Sunday access is not available unless you have purchased a yearly or half-yearly access key.

Please note: A Broads Authority “Short Visit Toll” will be required to sail on any stretch of the Norfolk Broads, including this trail. They can be purchased from Martham Boatyard.

Tidal Information:
The river Thurne is tidal however, being so far inland and relating to this trail, tides have little impact on the time of day you wish to sail.
It is worth mentioning that a local tides booklet from the Broads Authority, or one of it’s vendors, is highly recommended.

Best Tides:
See ‘Tidal Information’ above

Towing Vehicle Parking:
Park in the Pay and Display car park at the boatyard.

Towing vehicle Parking What3Words: ///cabbies.buzzards.orders

Towing vehicle Parking Information: (checked 2025)
£1 for an hour £2.50 for 4 hours and £5 all day. Parking for multiple days is also an option from £7.50 upwards depending on how many days you wish to park.

Trailer Parking:
Park with the car at the Pay and Display car park at the boatyard

Trailer Parking What3Words: ///cabbies.buzzards.orders

Trailer Parking Information: (checked 2025)
£1 for an hour £2.50 for 4 hours and £5 all day. Parking for multiple days is also an option from £7.50 upwards depending on how many days you wish to park.

Toilets:
Yes

Toilets What3Words: ///documents.haircuts.buns

Toilets Information:
Open only when the yard is open, 8am to 16:30

Page Month Published: October 2025

Dinghy Trail Sponsor: