River Ant

The River Ant is the shortest, and in places the narrowest, of the Norfolk Broads rivers. It rises near North Walsham and then flows down to Wayford Bridge, where navigation starts. The Ant then flows past Hunsett Drainage Mill and into Barton Broad. After flowing through the Broad, the River Ant reaches Irstead village and then twists and turns through some of the most scenic countryside in Norfolk, before reaching How Hill, Ludham Bridge and finally flowing into the River Bure near St Benet's Abbey. Some stretches of the river can be a little shallow and busy in high season.

Our River Ant cruise starts, along with navigation, at Wayford Bridge - where you will find a boatyard, hotel (Wayford Bridge Hotel) and day boat hire. A handful of free public 24 hour moorings can be found adjacent to the bridge (boat yard side), with further moorings available opposite the houseboats (pay).

Not far downstream from Wayford Bridge is Hunsett drainage mill. Built in 1860, it was restored around 1970 and along with the mill house is privately owned. It has been one of the most photographed windmills in the whole of Norfolk, but can only be viewed by boat as it is miles from a public road or footpath.

This stretch of the River Ant is narrow, wooded, but very picturesque. There are a few safe places to tie to a tree and watch the world float by or cast your fishing rod. A little further along the river, the channel divides, with a branch leading off the River Ant towards Stalham and Sutton, which then divides again - don't worry, you can always just follow the signs!

On arrival in Stalham you are greeted by Richardsons boatyard, a popular place to hire holiday cruisers. Stalham itself is a small town, which has a High Street containing a collection of take-away's, pub and various other local shops. You will also find the Museum of Broads and a Tesco supermarket.

Crossing pretty Sutton Broad takes you to Sutton Staithe, which has a grassy area adjacent to the Sutton Staithe Hotel situated right next to the moorings. The residential village of Sutton is over the other side of the main A149 road. It has some lovely cottages grouped around a village pond. Nearby Sutton Mill is a 9 storey corn mill and is the tallest surviving windmill in the UK.

Just before the River Ant opens out onto Barton Broad, there is a channel leading to the lovely village of Barton Turf, where there is plenty of moorings, either at the village staithe or along Paddy's Lane. Barton Turf is a lovely unspoiled Broadland village and a great place to explore, with plenty of local walks (you can walk to the pub at Neatishead in about 30 minutes).

Next, the river opens out onto Barton Broad, which is the second largest of the Norfolk Broads, and a great place to enjoy some sailing - or just messing about in boats! Barton Broad is home to pontoons from both the Norfolk Punt Club and the Nancy Oldfield Trust.

An arm leads west from Barton Broad towards Gays Staithe and then along Lime Kiln Dyke to the village of Neatishead. These quiet and peaceful backwaters lead to an unspoiled Broadland village with a shop, pub and restaurant. Nearby is the Barton Boardwalk, a journey through ancient woodland to a fabulous viewing platform at the end.

From Barton Broad, the River Ant flows through Irstead Village, where you will find some lovely waterside properties and a thatched village church, dating back to the 15th century. The village staithe, although small, is a great place to sit and watch the boats float by!

The River twists and turns until it reaches the How Hill Estate. At How Hill you can explore a Marshman's Cottage Museum, walk around a Nature Trail, view the Secret Gardens or simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings for a walk, picnic or family games!

Just below How Hill Staithe, on the opposite bank, is Turf Fen Drainage Mill. The River Ant then twists and turns through the beautiful Norfolk countryside until it reaches Ludham Bridge. At the bridge you will fend plenty of free 24 hour moorings, a boatyard, a cafe, a shop and a pub - 5 minutes walk to the Dog Inn. The River Ant continues for less than a mile, before joining the River Bure at Ant Mouth.

River Ant summary of what to SEE and DO

Ludham Bridge

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