A half day walk exploring the Norfolk Broads. The route stars in Acle and then follows the River Bure north past Clippesby Drainage Mill to the village of Upton. The return route crosses fields back to the start and offers a chance to visit the lovely round-towered church at Fishley.
(D/A)The start is the large car park on the north side of Bridewell Lane in the centre of Acle (grid ref. TG401107) which lies to the north of the A47 west of Yarmouth. Exit the car park and turn left along Bridewell Lane. It is easier to stay on the north side of this road. This leads into Old Road which should be followed to a T-junction (the A1064). Bear left here and follow the A1064 for a short way. Cross the road carefully to an open area which gives access to the moorings at Acle Dike.
(1)Walk along the northern side of the Dike (with the Dike to your right) and continue to the River Bure. Turn left here and continue up the river which should be on your right. Continue north to reach the A1064 Acle Bridge (grid ref TG413116). Cross the road with care and continue through the parking area opposite to regain the riverside path. The grassy path continues for a mile and a quarter to reach Upton Dyke (grid ref. TG408130). Shortly before this you pass Clippesby Drainage Mill which provides a fine sight across the River Bure.
(2)Turn left along the south bank of Upton Dyke, which is used for mooring boats and continue out on to Boat Dyke Road (grid ref. TG402127). Follow the road as it bends left and continue to a T-junction ignoring the side roads on your right and left. At the T-junction turn left and continue down to the next road junction with a grass island in the centre of the roads. Turn right here onto The Green. After a few yards you will see a footpath sign on your left (grid ref. TG397124). Initially an enclosed path it soon enters a large field. Follow the clear path across this first field. Go through the hedge and then go half left across the next field and then following the same direction across another field to reach a track at a right angled bend (grid ref. TG398114).
(3) Near the bend is the attractive round towered church of St Mary's, Fishley, which is worth a visit if it is open. To continue take the clear path leaving the track on the bend heading roughly south towards Acle. The path eventually leads into Pyebush Lane which is followed down to a crossroads (grid ref. TG400106). Turn left and the entrance to the car park used at the start of the walk is a short way along Bridewell Lane on your left.
Waypoints :
D/A : mi 0 - alt. 26ft - Start: Acle car park
1 : mi 0.59 - alt. 3ft - Acle Dike
2 : mi 2.74 - alt. 0ft - Upton Dyke
3 : mi 4.27 - alt. 39ft - St Mary's church
D/A : mi 4.96 - alt. 30ft - Finish: Acle car park
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Global average : 4.71/5
Number of opinions : 7
Description quality : 4.86/5
Routemap quality : 4.71/5
Walk interest : 4.57/5
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 14/05/22
Description quality
: Very good
Easiness to follow the route
: Very good
Walk interest
: Very good
A lovely circular walk with varied terrain. Very easy parking in the town and a short distance to the river. Lots to see with interesting old drainage mills on route. An attractive staithe at Upton and a beautiful little round towered church at Fishley nearing Acle. Recommended.
Global average : 4.33 / 5
Date of walk
: 02/01/22
Description quality
: Very good
Easiness to follow the route
: Good
Walk interest
: Good
nice easy stroll across the Norfolk Broads, if it has been raining look out for some very muddy stretches. Only real caution is crossing the A1064 well worth walking a fair distance down the road to cross safely as the signed crossing is a heart stopping moment.
Global average : 4.33 / 5
Date of walk
: 29/08/21
Description quality
: Very good
Easiness to follow the route
: Very good
Walk interest
: Average
We only walked the first part of this walk. The details from Visorando were excellent. The first part of the walk, to the bridge was disappointing because a lot was between reeds on either side which meant that the view of the surrounding countryside and the river was obscured. I think it was better beyond the bridge from what we could see.
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 07/05/21
Description quality
: Very good
Easiness to follow the route
: Very good
Walk interest
: Very good
This is a really nice walk. Free car park in Acle, bonus. Wide open space, walking on top of the dyke/bank, flat and dry. River Bure one side, farmland, woodland, open fields the other. Lovely old cottages and buildings, dotted about. Staithe to sit and have a rest, moored boats, pub. Walk through village, across field, wide open pathways between fields, leads to 9th century Fishley Church, St Mary’s. Opens Every Friday and Sunday, all visitors welcome. We were lucky to meet Ivan the Church Warden, who explained the history of the church. fascinating. Well recommend this walk.
Global average : 4.33 / 5
Date of walk
: 03/12/18
Description quality
: Good
Easiness to follow the route
: Good
Walk interest
: Very good
Nice walk, easy going,easy to navigate
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 08/10/18
Description quality
: Very good
Easiness to follow the route
: Very good
Walk interest
: Very good
Nice walk around the Broads, easy to follow and clear instructions. Good lunch at The Bridge, Acle at the end of the walk.
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 20/09/18
Description quality
: Very good
Easiness to follow the route
: Very good
Walk interest
: Very good
Excellent walk with clear instructions and well trodden paths. Excellent riverside pub service great food just by the part where you cross under the road bridge.
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.