Broadland Mills and Bills

About trip

Distance: 8.75 miles, Minnimum Time: 3hrs 30mins, Difficulty: Hard, Description: Drainage mills still play an important role in the Broads, and there are plenty to see around Ludham. They stand alone and proud in this flat landscape, so that a tower silhouetted against a sunset or reflected in still waters is an image that many visitors take home with them. Mills are as much a part of the landscape here as the many birds that come to feed or breed. Mills come in many different shapes and sizes. Tower windmills use wind power to drive their scooping mechanisms. Others, some designed by the famous millwright Dan England, were fitted with powerful turbine engines in the 20th century. Hollow-post mills were used in the 17th century, so called because the sail mechanism and cap sit atop a hollow post. These were found to be temperamental and later fell into disuse. The one at How Hill (Clayrack Mill) was discovered at nearby Ranworth, and rebuilt in 1988. While you're there: Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is located on South Walsham Inner Broad and offers visitors superb gardens and boat trips. You’ll find hire boats and trips at Wroxham and Potter Heigham. The Broadland Conservation Centre at Ranworth provides information and maps and is a good place to start any serious exploration of the surrounding area. What to look out for: At How Hill you can visit Toad Hole, a marshman’s cottage built in the 18th century, now furnished to look like a fen labourer’s home. The best drainage mills are also near How Hill. Turf Fen (1880s) is on the opposite bank of the River Ant and Boardman’s Mill (similar date with 1926 engine) is to the north. Further north is Clayrack Mill, restored in 1988. Where to eat and drink: At Ludham the friendly King’s Arms has a pleasant beer garden with a playground for children, and serves good food and real ale. Just around the corner are the Alfresco Tea Rooms, and nearby is Barnaby’s Bistro. Directions: Leave the car park and the busy marina and walk up Horsefen Road, going the same way that you came in to park. Go right at the end of Horsefen Road and look for the bridleway on your right. This runs through fields to a lane. Turn left, cross the A1062 and, at the next T-junction, turn right and continue across Market Road to the A149. Cross this, through the red and white barriers, heading for School Road opposite. Walk into Potter Heigham, going straight on at the next junction with the Victorian school and village hall on your left. This becomes Church Road, and you pass St Nicholas’ Church on your left. Go right down Marsh Road until you reach a farm. Bear right on the track before bearing left at a T-junction. At the next junction you reach the Weavers’ Way where you turn left. This winds through reed beds along the edge of Hickling Broad. Go through a gate, then continue along the way. The reserve ends at another gate. Turn left on the lane, past Decoy Farm, then go straight across at the next crossroads to Reynolds Lane. Cross the A149, walk a few paces, then turn right. Go left after the industrial estate at Point F, and follow this lane when it makes a sharp left. Walk for about 0.75 mile (1.2km), going straight at the first junction and right at the second. Go straight across, walking a few paces until you reach the next junction with Ludham church ahead of you. Turn left along Yarmouth Road, then right into Horsefen Road. This will take you back to the car park.