Canoeing on the River Waveney

Canoeing on the River Waveney provides some of the most idyllic opportunities to get out on the water and to experience the Waveney Valley at its best. Providing the gateway to the Southern Broads, the River Waveney runs from Lopham Fen, west of Diss, through Oulton Broad and out to sea at Great Yarmouth.

It is the most southerly river within the Broads National Park and is said to be the quietest due to the restrictions and accessibility for motor cruisers, making it the perfect place to paddle.

River Waveney

Three of the ‘Visit Norfolk Top 10 places to Canoe in the Broads’ are along the River Waveney:

Burgh St Peter

From here you can explore Oulton Broad and the edge of Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve. Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve lies in the Waveney Valley in the Southern Broads. A jigsaw of grazing marsh, fens, peat pools, short fen meadow, tall litter fen, dykes, pools and scrub. Otters, kingfishers, marsh harriers and the Norfolk Hawker dragonfly are all regular visitors. Stop off at The Waveney Inn at Waveney River Centre for a bite to eat or a drink.

Outney Meadow

On the Suffolk-Norfolk border near Bungay, this has been the perfect canoeing venue for the last 30 years. With no motorised boat traffic, it is an excellent place for beginners. There is a fabulous trail known as the ‘Bungay Loop’ which can be downloaded from Visit the Broads.

Geldeston

On this gentle stretch of the river the paddling is quiet and easy going with a choice of picnic spots and pubs, and it’s within easy reach of the lovely market town of Beccles. Kingfishers, are regularly spotted here and even the occasional otter. The beautifully clear water provides stunning views of the fish below you. Another great trail from Bungay to Geldeston can be also be downloaded from Visit the Broads.

River Waveney in the Broads National Park at Geldeston

Where to hire or launch your canoe.

Waveney River Centre

Award winning holiday park set in the beautiful surroundings of the Waveney Valley, with stunning south and west facing views across marshes and river. Canadian canoes and kayaks available from a half to a full day. A great base from which to explore the Southern Broads. Five star camping and camping pods are available to hire as well as canoe launch facilities.

Staithe Road, Burgh St Peter, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 0BT. Tel: 01502 677343 www.waveneyrivercentre.co.uk

Fritton Lake

The jewel in the crown of the Somerleyton Hall Estate and one of the best kept secret waterways in the Southern Broads. Stretching for nearly 4km the lake offers the opportunity to spend time exploring this historic waterway by canoe, kayak or SUP. Canadian canoes, tandem and single sit-on-top-kayaks, or for the more adventurous, instructor-led Stand Up Paddle (SUP) sessions.

Fritton Lake, Church Road, Fritton, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR31 9HA. Tel: 0333 456 0777 www.frittonlakeoc.co.uk

Three Rivers

Canoe and kayak hire so those who don’t have their own to bring can also explore the river. There are two launching areas, a floating pontoon and a quay heading.

Station Road, Geldeston, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 0HS. Tel:07948 552128 www.threeriverscamping.co.uk

Hippersons Boatyard

Canoes, kayaks and bikes to explore the Waveney Valley from a whole new perspective. A 3-person Canadian canoe or a single sit on Kayak will provide you with a unique way to explore one of the prettiest stretches of the River Waveney. The boatyard is also on two of the Broads by Bike routes.

Gillingham Dam, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 0EB. Tel: 01502 712166 www.hippersons.co.uk

Rowen Craft

Located in the pretty village of Geldeston at the start of the navigable River Waveney with access to the whole Broads network. Old Town’ Canadian style open canoes available for hire. Members of The Canoe hire network. Half or Full Day hire available. Launch and recover your own craft from one of two slipways. Assisted launch and recovery is also available for an additional fee. Launch and park from £10.

Big Row, Wherry Dyke, Geldeston, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 0LY. Tel: 01508 518208 www.rowancraft.co.uk

Outney Meadow Caravan and Camping

A family run caravan park and camping site in the Waveney Valley countryside within easy walking distance of the historic market town of Bungay. Canadian canoe hire available for half or full day.

Outney Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk NR35 1 HG. Tel: 01986 892338 www.outneymeadow.co.uk