With the growing popularity of the Norfolk Broads in recent years, it makes sailing to hidden gems, off the beaten track a little harder. North of Potter Heigham Bridge is one of the quietest parts of the Broads; home to Hickling Broad and Horsey Mere this area should be top of anyone list of places to explore whilst on their yacht. Below we have compiled our favourite moorings north of Potter Heigham Bridge.

Number 1 – West Somerton

With a gentle wind in your sails, you can gradually make your way towards the source of the Thurne at West Somerton. This tranquil spot, a favourite among locals, has crystal-clear waters teaming with fish; everyone but the skipper will have their heads over the side. 

With plenty of mooring spots, and no through traffic, it’s an ideal place to set up home for the evening. 

Following just half a mile of footpath along the western bank, Martham broad reveals itself. Different to the one previously sailed past to get to the mooring, this one is inaccessible from the main waterways. Having 78 \led to a thriving wildlife population, with a bit of patience you may spot a Marsh Harrier may fly over-head, or a heron waiting patiently for supper to swim past.

Or if history is more up your street, then a quick adventure into West Somerton village starts to hint at the historic uses of the Broads. West Somerton historically was an access point for the trade of coal using wherries, hard to imagine that now! 

Just up the road lies East Somerton, where you will find the Somerton church ruins, legend has it that the old oak tree within the church sprouted from a buried witch’s wooden leg.

Number 2 – Sunset Mooring

The sailing on the Norfolk Broad will undoubtably deliver at least one sensational sunset. With skies glowing red and the water reflecting the same image, there is nowhere better to watch the sunset on another fantastic day. Finding a mooring that faces the west can be a little challenging, however we are here to help solve that issue. You can find Sunset Mooring located on candle dyke. Only accessible by the river, you can watch the sun set down the river, with a silhouette of the trees across the horizon. It is a beautiful place to spend the evening.

Number 3 – Martham Broad 

If you love the sunsets in Norfolk, you will enjoy the sunrises even more. Albeit a very early start, it is well worth it to welcome in the day. Martham Broad is the ideal place to watch the sun come up.

You will have sailed past dungeons corner to get to West Somerton it is a mooring just before Martham Broad, it is the ideal place to set up camp for an early start. With the spot only accessible by foot, and a good 1.5km from the nearest village, the only person you will meet is the occasional dog walker. Keep your eyes pealed here for Swallowtail butterflies, Dragonflies and Damselflies. When the sun comes out, they all appear and create a beautiful hum in the air around you.

Number 4 - Deep Go Dyke

Just off the entrance to Hickling Broad, Deep Go Dyke offers 305 meters of free moorings, making it ideal for a fleet to moor for the night. It is situated opposite the Whiteslea estate. Previously used by Royalty, ministers, and aristocrats in the 19th century to hunt birds, the Whiteslea estate is now a thriving marsh for many rare bird species. Careful management of the area meant that in the early 1900’s there was a ‘bittern boom’, and they have continued to live in the area since. They are one of the rarest breeding birds in the UK, it is on the species amber list having been moved off the red list in 2015, due to increased breeding habits. Spotting one of these is guaranteed to make any twitcher at home jealous!

Number 5 – Meadow Dyke

This is the spot to keep your eyes peeled! The whole way along from Heigham sound to Horsey Mill is teaming with rare wildlife, kingfishers are often found flying along this strip of river. This would be where you are encouraged to stand on the roof of the sailing boat and look across the islands either side of you. Not accessible by road, Heigham Holmes is a national trust island, opened once a year to the public – it is a hotspot for monk jack deer, cattle egrets and a few Great White Egrets!

Number 5 – Hickling Staithe

Hickling Broad is the largest Broad, it is home to the mute swan. With 22,000 in the UK, one would think they were all on Hickling Broad! With an uninterrupted wind flow across the broad, it is ideal for sailing up and down.

The Pleasure Boat Inn is a family pub on the North side of the broad. With plenty of seating right on the riverbank, the atmosphere is always alive with smiling faces. Another popular place to go for dinner is The Greyhound. 

Whilst in Hickling it is worth taking a stroll to visit Stubb drainage pump, having received a £50,000 grant in 2009, they were able to replace the cap. An anecdote to tell your friends and family, is that they had to delay putting the ceremony of putting on the cap, because just as it was about to go on, they spotted a Kingfisher’s nest! Meaning everyone had to come back in October to see it fitted.