The Norfolk Broads by Canoe. Sunken Wherry Graveyards. Surlingham and Rockland Broad. River Yare.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 มิ.ย. 2020
- In this video, I am back on the water after whats seems like an eternity while the country was in lockdown. I head off along the River Yare, one of the largest Broadland Rivers and paddle downstream to explore two of the quieter Norfolk Broads. The shallow, lily covered Rockland Broad with its ghostly Wherry graveyard called the Slaughters and Surlingham Broad, also with its boat graveyard and its intricate web of reed lined channels, tempting you in to explore and hopefully not to get lost!
The Norfolk Broads is a National Park in the East of England and makes up a large area of wetlands to the East of the city of Norwich. The Broads themselves (open bodies of wide shallow water) were manmade - caused by centuries of peak excavation that became flooded by the network of rivers that flow through the area. These rivers were once the arteries of this part of the county, providing a means of transporting goods, fuel and materials between the Broadland towns in the iconic Norfolk sailing Wherries.
This was an extremely rare opportunity to enjoy this wetland area without the chaos usually associated with the Broads during the summer months! The restrictions applied to us all during the Covid19 lockdown has meant that the boat hire companies are closed and the result is a blissfully quiet National Park and cleaner waters - ideal canoeing!
I hope you enjoy the video.
Thanks for watching!
Links
Norfolk Broads Canoe and Kayak Guide
www.amazon.co.uk/Norfolk-Broa...
OS Explorer map of the Broads
www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/shop...
Contact me at:
simonablokeinthewoods@gmail.com
Or by mail at:
Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
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Music Castleshire by Chris Haugen
Firefly by Chris Haugen
+Simon, a bloke in the woods,
Simon hello? My name is Jonathan and I used to work this stretch of the water many years ago. Thank you so much for highlighting the history of the river banks. So few people know the history of our beautiful local river.
In 1984 I used to work as a deckhand on the MV Regal Lady; now relocated back to Scarborough.we used to sail from Riverside Rd ( now the Riverside complex with bars and restaurants- where Vagabond was)and run out to Surlingham Broad entrance at Brundall. Then a 180' turn and back to Riverside Rd.
So much thanks for the history. We must remember the history of our beautiful river.
Best Wishes
Jonathan
Thanks Jonathon - lovely stretch of water to work on - must have been a joy to go to to work!!
That's was fantastic. I live in Bramerton overlooking when you put in the water. I love that stretch of river and my boat is at Bramerton so I I have been up and down there a few times myself. The ferry house is a great dog friendly pub so please visit with Maggie as she will get so much attention from us staff. I've never been on Surlingham broad so thank you for filming that. I'll look out for you on the river xx 🛶
Surlingham. Just up the road from me. We used to camp down there, and fish and swim off the tops of the old wherries on a low tide. Down on Ted Ellis’s part of the broad, the Norfolk naturalist, when he was alive. Canoed and sailed along there. Happy days. I’m almost eighty now, so many, many years ago.
BTW Simon - Love the social history narrative adds vastly to quality of content .... we are always learning .... thank you 👏👏🙏
Isn't this wonderful?
Thank you for enjoying some of the things I like, there is not much left apart from violence.
Thank you!!
yes ,Sir it is & I Thank You for a dose of Sanity
Fantastic Simon! Thanks for letting us share that little bit of heaven😁
The shot of that beautiful bull was a beauty
7:43
I can't tell you how much I needed this. There's so much going on over here in the states that's sad and a trip down the river made my day. Well done and so much appreciated!
agreed!
My pleasure Ronald - we’ve been watching things unfold from over here - unsettled and sad times!
Things will get better just hang on .GOOD LUCK
Things will get better just hang on .GOOD LUCK mate all the best from NZ
Amazing how much history is bound to large bodies of water. Thanks for adding it to yet another great mini adventure.
After watching all the sad news world wide ...I just enjoy one of your videos to regain peace.Thank you very much Simon💖
Glad you were so thoughtful of Maggie.
Lockdown is no fun there is one good side to it everybody is now getting a chance to hear nature with out the mechanical hum that is always there in the background even in some of the most remote places.Very little aircraft in the sky a few boats on the Broads And light traffic on the roads. A silence some people will only here a few times in their life.Thanks to videos like this or a simple walk.People go out and listen to it it’s good for the soul
Definitely - it’s good for us all and it’s really good for nature! 👍😁
I paddled some of this about 15 years ago. Picnics by windmils and pubs with jetties.its a superb place
What a beautiful day! Those are the ones we live for🙂
britain is such a stunning place, from north to south, east to west. if i won the lottery, i'd move there in a heartbeat. all the best from germany, and thanks for such nice and peaceful video.
Thank you mate! 👍🇬🇧🤝🇩🇪🍻
Germany has a combined waterway network of about 40,000 kilometres, 25,000 of which is accessible to canoeists and kayakers all year round. The flat northern part that’s littered with lakes and canals, to the industrial western Rhineland and mountainous south, a kayaking trip in Germany is as varied as it is beautiful. Move from river to river, through changing landscapes. Britain is not even in the same class for scenery and
variety for the canoeist.
Have a look at Canada or Australia. UK is mainly farmland and old buildings
@Linz Earth - why do so many Hermans come to Norfolk? After Brits Germans are the most common nationality you come across on the Broads.
Two best places for beer are Norfolk (best brewing malt in world) and Bavaria. Love to Germany from Norfolk.
PS - what’s the best 5-7 day route in Germany for varied countryside. I’d like to avoid industrial areas and take in some local beers.
@@linzearth trouble is its full off moaning germans
This was fantastic, I've made my mind up to spend my birthday on the Broads September 2021 if possible, and spotted a few idyllic scenes here that beg to be painted ;-) Thanks so much!
You’ll love it Lois, plus, in September, most of the holiday hordes have dissipated and the waterways should be a bit quieter. 👍
Simon, another fantastic video of great countryside, I am gradually working my way through your whole catalogue. East Anglia has so many hidden treasures to offer.
Simon, that was wonderful. Thank you. You don’t realise how noisy and intrusive the cruisers are till you hear one in a near silent setting. The sound of the water on your canoe hull was magic.. My dad went on cruiser holidays on the Broads in the 1930s, and used to show us photos so it’s a special place even though I’ve never seen them. Thanks again. Les in Chester PS, great camera work! Les
Thanks Les! It probably hadn’t changed much in most areas since those lazy days in the 30s. 🛶
Excellent just when the rain comes something worthwhile to watch looking forward to it 👍😀
the Norfolk wherry takes me back to when i was 13 yr old [1971] there was a converted wherry that took school kids on holiday around the Broads i was at school in Kendal in the lakes at the time, i can remember it took four of us to winch the sail up, thanks for the memories
Lovely! I wonder if that Wherry is still in use? 👍
This is probably too old for you to read; but, in the US we have bayous and swamps that can get a fellow lost pdq, pretty damn quick, very much like your broads, reeds, weeds too tall and thick, the ground too wet to walk. I’ve climbed a tree to look around and found my way out, for the bayous get mighty big, currents running funny. Unless you’re really familiar, it’s easy to get turned around. You did great. The relief on your face I could actually feel in my gut, because I’ve done the same thing. Thanks for the adventure. Texas
Beautiful video thank you. I’m a local & often walked along the riverbank during lockdown last year- it was idyllic at times. Hearing that cuckoo brings back memories!
Beautiful and serene, thanks for taking us along 👍.
Such beautiful cinematography you get Simon. You should be so proud.
Interesting watch thank you. Lovely to see a bit of my village stretch from the river viewpoint 🙂
Simon, that's why there were no boats, It was six o'clock in the morning., the beer boats don't going till midday, but youvve had the best bit of the day. My dear late father always said, "loose an hour in the morning and you'll chase it all day". Good on you Simon
I've had my mental medicine - and it's hit the spot as always. Thank you Simon. Always a pleasure to view your content.
After a crappy day at work this made my day, Thanks from Minnesota, USA
Simon, This is Arden Frey from Michigan in the USA. I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your videos and I know you will keep up the good work. Stay safe my friend but keep up the videos.
Thank you Arden! 👍🛶
Thank you for the history lesson. Very interesting.
Simon, Thanks for being very descriptive in your narration. I was able to follow you via Google maps. I could even see the red cones that you paddled by. Also, I think I found your lunch spot on the river. I enjoyed the day on the broad. Cheers, Skillet
Thanks mate! Good detective work! 👍
Simon, a bloke in the woods its elementary my dear Watson. With your help of course! S Holmes. (Or Skillet)
Yeah that almost looks like the Florida Everglades an easy place to get lost that's for sure and many graveyards out there as well
Wow, perfect way to unwind from a stressful working lockdown day....thank you Simon 👏👏 for your great quality content.
4 wheels on My wagon Trust if your wound up..the broads is the place to go and unwind...so relaxing there.
It’s got to be thee place of calmness.
On a wonderful day like today, you could paddle ( sail )for ever, and ever...... My folks used to sing a song about a little brown jug but I think I'll be singing one about a Kelly kettle. What a day this has been.....
I was thinking the very same thing! If I didn’t have other commitments, I think I could pack up my canoe and spend 6 months touring the waterways quite happily! 🛶
I've missed seeing your adventures - Welcome back Simon 🙂
Nothing like a good feed after some time on the water. Wonderful video! What a first-rate, "homebrew" canoe! I miss Maggie. 😊
Thanks James! 🛶
Nice to see you back on the water in that beautiful boat of yours
Simon you took me on a beautiful ride in your canoe, loved your company and so enjoyed all the things I saw through you eyes. Thank you with love from Western Australia.
Thank you Anna! 🛶😁
Just brilliant Simon, here's an idea, bring a sketch pad next time so you can map your rout 1st left 2nd right etc, it should be a great way of not getting lost, a great project would be to draw a map of the whole water way network, hope to see you there again, stay safe TTFN.
Beautiful video as usual Simon. Thanks for that. I was out there last week (different river but on The Broads) and watched a couple of otters playing. Sooo good to be out again! Take care and watch you later.
Beautiful!! A lucky spot!! 👍
Great to see you have been paddling past my village! Another informative and peaceful upload, take care ❤
Surlingham or Rockland?
Brilliant video thanks for sharing with us all. I have always wanted a Canadian canoe never managed to get one yet. It’s so peaceful with no engine noise. 👍🇬🇧
Excellent - thank you Simon!
Thankyou so much for your lovely videos.Its always a pleasure watching you!my husband watches daily your videos ,and I m getting hooked as well!Watching you from Malta.
Thank you Pauline!
Great to see you out and about. Live in Somerset now, but Norfolk is my ancestral home. Brampton in Suffolk is where my Aldreds originated, but the broads were where they made their livings. You may have seen Aldred Estate agents, started by my Great Grandfather, no longer in the family. So nice to enjoy the peace of lockdown, saves getting up at 4am, to get the same effect. Thanks for sharing 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Cheers Simon! 👍🛶
Wow, you fly along in that beautiful canoe. Awesome
Thanks Simon.
Hey simon love your Channel! Keep up the good work! Your a true tonic xx and Maggie xx so beautiful xx
Thank you Leanne!
Great to see you out and about again Simon. lovely day on the broads , can't beat it
Thanks for letting me know where was Maggie! U did right Simon, leaving Maggie home!
Nice one again, looked like you nicked my barrel and hat, but at closer look it really was yours! 😁😉
Hahaha - dont they all look the same? I put stickers on mine just so I can identify them!
What a great place to get lost!
Thank you
Thanks Simon, very well, that we can enjoy nature anew. What a pleasure and a luxury...
I used to canoe on the river from Bramerton in the 60's. We lived nearby in Framingham Earl and it was the nearest place to launch. The canoe champion Oliver? came to our school in St Andrews, Thorpe to teach us how to do it, and inspired me to have a go. My father and I renovated a double canoe.It was really too heavy for me at 12 ish and my much younger brother and sometimes caused arguments, but overall it was a good experience.I quickly preferred sailing in a small boat on the broads which I did through the sailing club at school. We used to go to Filby broad on the old school bus after school with the PE teacher, have a sail in small wooden boats and be back at the school by 8pm, having grabbed a bag of chips to eat on the way back. It was before wetsuits and we sailed even in some of the autumn term so it was cold being wet in jeans and waterproofs. Putting the boats away when our hands were cold happened quickly with a great but fearsome PE teacher moving us on. Good memories.
That is lovely! Great memories!! By a stroke of coincidence, I used to teach at Thorpe St Andrews High School (as it’s now called - the two schools combined) small world! I used to sail as a boy and loved it - might well make a sailing rig for my canoe. 😁🛶
@@simonablokeinthewoods Wow, a small world. I went to the then secondary modern having just failed my 11 plus due to not being great at maths., but that school still did O levels, so I was sent there, as my local secondary didn't. It was such a caring school with a great ethos. The encouraging head was Mr Belchambers and he knew all of us. I remember Mr Sutton, a maths teacher (and deputy or head later? ) who did a great more practical programme for the least academic children, and a boy from that group who blossomed with his different approach went on to be Head boy. I remember Mr Pinching the music teacher who gave me a good experience in the band, even though I was really clueless about music at the time and played 3rd cornet. Mr Arnison was an art teacher who introduced me to pottery which came to be another thing Iove, and was a very caring form teacher.There was a fiery Spanish lady who taught french and shouted a lot. She induced fear in me and I learned nothing from her. I am sure your pupils will remember you in a very warm way. I now live in Bristol and I met a man last year who now lives in Washington DC but was walking around England and Wales in memory of his wife. I had photos of Wells next the Sea beach and he recognised the area. Turns out he attended the same school, then already combined, a few years later than me. He even knew the teachers. Small world. I went on to be a sailing instructor for a short time for a summer. The small boats on Filby Broad were called Bitterns.we vwere all given the basics for a couple of evenings in a Wayfarer with the teacher, then let loose in a Bittern to work it out together. it was about having fun. I liked Wayfarers and even had an old one for a while. It sparked an interest in my son who has gone on to love sailing yachts and fast dinghys. Your channel is lovely and you have a lot to offer. Thank you.
Some of the smaller broads reminded me of the film the African Queen when they had to pull the boat down the river. Great vid keep up the good work 😉
Hi...I didn't read your comment, but I've just posted, and said the same thing..reminds me of the African queen...at least Simon didn't have to get out of the canoe, with those horrible leeches!...lol
Fantastic video thank you very much. The broads is my favourite place in the world and I cannot wait to get back there.
I used to fish from a boat with my father all along that stretch from Whittlingham to Rockland broad, that was some 50 years ago. This brought back some happy memories for me.
It hasn't changed so much I'm glad to see.
Thank's for posting this. Edit; by the way, some visitors using a hire craft got lost for 3 days in those finger channels, they were cut off from the main channel at times by the low tide, water levels, luckily their shouts for help were heard by people on a passing launch and they were rescued.
Haha - both unlucky and lucky at the same time! I wonder if that’s why they put the bollards up? 👍
@@simonablokeinthewoods Yes I think that was one of the reasons.
Thank you for filming! What a pleasant treat this was. So glad you are on the water once again.
Well done for seizing that opportunity. Had no idea the Broads were like that but at least now I can say I've been there!
Thank you so much, Simon, to share this wonderful canoe day trip with us. Since three months I know your channel. In short words: I really love it. You explanations of all what you do it so interesting to me. I am looking forward for new videos and pictures. Many greetings.
Thank you Dirk! 👍😁
Wow i love the Kelly Kettle i'd love one of those and what a fabulous journey, i'm so incredibly jealous of that location
The Broads are just magical and I heard a cuckoo, a rare event here on the south coast nowadays. Thanks for a really great video.
It was pure pleasure to watch this video.
What a beautiful place. A river that’s as calm as a morning lake! Absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing my friend.
Loved the history and scenery! Thanks for the wonderful video!
Thanks Simon, I am so jealous right now
i went all along there inc potter higham and the Hickling Broad etc,was in a rental holiday boat through hoseasons,moored up along the way for a week,lovely place very magical,saw some rare black swans etc,loveing the place even more now after this very calming excellent video😊👍 Thankyou.(lovely to hear a cuckoo again,their getting scarce,ive still never seen one in real life,not heard one here where i am near the peak district for a few years )
GREAT to see 'A Man's Man' out on the water and filming for the LOVE OF IT ALL. Highly interesting to learn about wherries and to see the photos. I have read about them in English novels and never gave them a thought. I am also interested in the commercial use of narrow boats. At one point, I was expecting you to find the NEW Baby Moses in those rushes! Did any of that strike you as a new camp site? Rushes can make a fine natural shelter.
Sadly very few left now although there is a group of enthusiasts who restore them and strive to keep the history going!
The issue in amongst those reeds was the lack of bank or any solid ground - good spots along the river or along the edges of the Broads although you’d have to be super stealthy!
Thanks for the great video. I really enjoy your videos.
The broads are still as stunning now as i remember back when my parents used to take myself and my sister, there for a weeks holiday during the summer.
Life has been pretty difficult just lately and Simon your videos have been just what I needed. So relaxing and calm. Thank you for all the effort you put into these for YT! I wish I would have found you sooner. 😊
Wonderful video again Simon, thank you for sharing.
My God, that is a beautiful canoe, a real piece of artistry.I did shipwright work and I totally respect the the builder.I love your vids, a dose of Sanity in chaos.I believe that the Vikings actually travelled up this river a long time ago, as in 954 AD
Debra Salt - I think Simon himself made the canoe.
You are probably right, and earlier than that, the Romans also used these river networks.
Thank you - I built the canoe about 5 years ago, took about 50 hrs or so - I’ve yet to paddle a plastic canoe that is as agile or light, so it was definitely 50hrs well spent! 😁🛶
@@simonablokeinthewoods I found out that Viking were in the Wessex area as early as 685-700 AD! Those Longboats were really incredible because they were Ocean going and river worthy.The Viking museum in York was a great place to visit, amazing! You woodworking skills are excellent.
An absolute joy to watch. 👍
I spent 2 wonderful weeks in the Yorkshire reminded me of the water I saw there. The river Ouse comes to mind and others. In the states it is crazy and this is a welcome respite from it.
Thank you! 👍🛶
Beautiful.....
That’s a Beautiful canoe and I believe you made it yourself👍
Thank you and yes, she is home built - my proudest work. 😁🛶
Great video. What a perfect way to enjoy a quiet, sunny day. Especially like the little channels, proper adventure. No go-pro sinking this time 😀
Haha - not this time! Cheers!
Great video Simon! Just loved watching it!😊👍👍🐂🐂🐃🐄🌲🌳🌲🦋🌻
What a beautiful place. 🥰🤘
Wonderful video, lovely to hear the Cettis Warbler at 4:10!
Simon - Coincidently, I just did a four day paddle on the Manistee River in northern Michigan USA in my self-built stripper canoe while you were canoeing the broads! Fought the wind a little myself AND saw some cool historical stuff including remnants of logging drives from 125 years ago. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Darrell! I’d love to paddle some of those big N. American rivers - bet the logging artefacts were fascinating! 👍🛶
Hi Simon. A good friend of mine has a boat moored in this section of the river. We go out on the boat all the time and I know all the views in this video inside out. The Ferry House is a glorious pub, btw. We’ve seen Marsh Harriers, owls, countless kingfishers, otters on these stretches. It’s one of my favourite places to be: instant relaxation and joyous nature.
Lovely! Beautiful stretch of water isn’t it! I’ve seen otters on the Broads, but they always slip away before I’ve had a chance to film them. 👍
Lovely to see you out on the water again, looking forward to many more trips and camps its what keeps us going.
I love these videos of you paddling and narrating interesting things. So relaxing and peaceful, thank you so much Simon, really! 🙂
Fantastic. Just realised how much I was missing your videos 😀👍
Thanks Simon for taking us along on a beautiful day Broads paddle. Always glad to see you're doing well as we all ever so slowly emerge from lockdown.👍
Mark and Diane from "Happydale"
Hudson Valley, NY
Brilliant, I felt as if I was on the water with you, so interesting hearing about the history of the Broads, First time I'd seen the kettle perfect like you said for that type of trip. Stay safe mate looking forward to seeing the next one 👍😁
Thank you Malcolm! 😁🛶
Yes indeed, the peaceful quiet was delightful. Everything looks so lovely; it was a pleasure to explore the sunken ships & learn more of the history of The Broads. Thank you.
The boat traffic on the broads is overwhelming for small boats like canoes & kayaks. Yet this was so tranquil! 💜
Sweet day.
I could imagine a night camping. Milky way above, light pollution.
🤙👌
"No" light pollution i mean of course.
Nice to see you back Simon, you're our imagination during lockdown.
Thank you for sharing your canoe trip, lovely day for you.
Cool, I've just finished work and have something to watch tonight while having dinner, I enjoyed the WW2 airfield video last time out, in fact I found it fascinating, looking forward to this, cheers Simon.
Great video Simon just great to be back out on the water again.see you on the next one
So many good things to say about you and your channel Simon...top notch! I've never visited the Broads but am now convinced it'll be the next destination for a family camping trip with a little paddle. Thank you kindly for all your efforts and sharing with everyone! All the best mate!
Thanks Lee! 😁🛶👍
Great video simon those broads are beautiful you certainly picked a good day
Appreciating your camera angles, obviously a lot of effort for you.
Uses to love exploring the backwaters to surlingham. It uses to be possible to get all the way to surlingham parish stathe, no idea if you still can. For anyone thinking of exploring, you really can get lost in there so worth going at high tide so at least the floe of the water gives you some idea of the way out.
This was a great video, nice paddle so calming. Thank you Simon
What a treat! Thanks Simon!
Simon, even after having had dinner, when I watch your videos I get hungry again lol.
Hahaha - sorry!! 😁
@@simonablokeinthewoods I love cooking on open fire. I grew up on the land here in Tunisia and we even distilled incenses with a traditional wood fired distiller.
@@simonablokeinthewoods Here a recipe you should try. in a firepit let the fire burn down to embers and then throw in paprikas (very hot of course), onion, garlic, tomatoes and let them grill. then put everything in a plastic bag to sweat so you can peel it easily. and then put everything in a mortar (we use traditional tunisian copper mortars) and enjoy with bread. Enjoy the dragon later in the evening hhhh