ROCKLAND ST MARY 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 at 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 doctor’s surgery.
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You can enjoy fantastic circular walks 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.
