Rockland

Discover beautiful Rockland Broad – a hidden wilderness tucked behind the River Yare.   Moor in Rockland St Mary village staithe, where there is a pub, nearby children’s play area and post office stores in the village centre. You can enjoy a fantastic walk passing a bird hide overlooking Rockland Broad or visit the magical Wheatfen nature reserve.

Rockland Broad is a wonderful place to ‘get away from it all’ with very little boat traffic.  It is accessed by a choice of two dykes from the River Yare – Short Dyke and Fleet Dyke – and is surrounded by vast reed beds that shroud the outside world.  In summer the broad’s clear, shallow water is carpeted with lilies that are home to huge pike waiting to ambush their prey.  Unsurprisingly, the broad has excellent boat fishing.

To reach the village of Rockland St Mary follow a dyke from the broad to moor in the village staithe. The boat basin is the ideal place to fish or simply relax with expansive views across wild marshes.  There is a pub at the staithe and a recreation ground and children’s play area ten minutes walk away.  The centre of the village is a mile from the moorings, where there is a post office stores and doctors surgery.

You can enjoy a fantastic circular walk using the Wherryman’s Way long distance footpath that are signposted at the staithe.  A popular 5 ¼ mile route follows an easy access path to a bird hide overlooking Rockland Broad and continues along Short Dyke and the River Yare before returning via Claxton village.

Alternatively visit Wheatfen Nature Reserve by following the Wherryman’s Way towards Surlingham. The Site of Special Scientific Interest has a choice of trails through magical fen and wet woodland habitat with a small broad that is cut off to boats.

Wheatfen was the home of famous Norfolk naturalist and journalist Ted Ellis.  He lived in a remote cottage on the reserve and documented its wildlife for forty years.   Famous botanist David Bellamy is patron of the Ted Ellis Trust and said: “Wheatfen Broad, is, in its way, as important as Mount Everest or the giant forests of North America.  It is probably the best bit of fenland we have because we know so much about it.  That is purely because one man gave his life trying to understand it – Ted Ellis.”

Mooring

Rockland St Mary Staithe
A lovely village boat basin with both side and stern mooring.

Rockland Short Dyke
Remote moorings near the mouth of Rockland Broad.

Eating out

The New Inn
Pub and restaurant opposite Rockland Staithe serving freshly prepared meals.  Good selection of real ales.  Outside seating area overlooking the staithe.  01508 538211.