The Norfolk Broads by Canoe. Sunken Wherry Graveyards. Surlingham and Rockland Broad. River Yare.

In this video, I am back on the water after whats seems like an eternity while the country was in lockdown. I head off along the River Yare, one of the largest Broadland Rivers and paddle downstream to explore two of the quieter Norfolk Broads. The shallow, lily covered Rockland Broad with its ghostly Wherry graveyard called the Slaughters and Surlingham Broad, also with its boat graveyard and its intricate web of reed lined channels, tempting you in to explore and hopefully not to get lost!
The Norfolk Broads is a National Park in the East of England and makes up a large area of wetlands to the East of the city of Norwich. The Broads themselves (open bodies of wide shallow water) were manmade - caused by centuries of peak excavation that became flooded by the network of rivers that flow through the area. These rivers were once the arteries of this part of the county, providing a means of transporting goods, fuel and materials between the Broadland towns in the iconic Norfolk sailing Wherries.
This was an extremely rare opportunity to enjoy this wetland area without the chaos usually associated with the Broads during the summer months! The restrictions applied to us all during the Covid19 lockdown has meant that the boat hire companies are closed and the result is a blissfully quiet National Park and cleaner waters - ideal canoeing!
I hope you enjoy the video.
Thanks for watching!
Links
Norfolk Broads Canoe and Kayak Guide
www.amazon.co.uk/Norfolk-Broa...
OS Explorer map of the Broads
www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/shop...
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Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
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Music Castleshire by Chris Haugen
Firefly by Chris Haugen

[@jbss7382]

+Simon, a bloke in the woods, Simon hello? My name is Jonathan and I used to work this stretch of the water many years ago. Thank you so much for highlighting the history of the river banks. So few people know the history of our beautiful local river. In 1984 I used to work as a deckhand on the MV Regal Lady; now relocated back to Scarborough.we used to sail from Riverside Rd ( now the Riverside complex with bars and restaurants- where Vagabond was)and run out to Surlingham Broad entrance at Brundall. Then a 180' turn and back to Riverside Rd. So much thanks for the history. We must remember the history of our beautiful river. Best Wishes Jonathan

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Jonathon - lovely stretch of water to work on - must have been a joy to go to to work!!

[@daveyr7454]

Surlingham. Just up the road from me. We used to camp down there, and fish and swim off the tops of the old wherries on a low tide. Down on Ted Ellis’s part of the broad, the Norfolk naturalist, when he was alive. Canoed and sailed along there. Happy days. I’m almost eighty now, so many, many years ago.

[@timec2002]

Simon, another fantastic video of great countryside, I am gradually working my way through your whole catalogue. East Anglia has so many hidden treasures to offer.

[@ronaldmoore2336]

I can't tell you how much I needed this. There's so much going on over here in the states that's sad and a trip down the river made my day. Well done and so much appreciated!

[@debrasalt3598]

agreed!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

My pleasure Ronald - we’ve been watching things unfold from over here - unsettled and sad times!

[@rogerwileman9965]

Things will get better just hang on .GOOD LUCK

[@rogerwileman9965]

Things will get better just hang on .GOOD LUCK mate all the best from NZ

[@MichaelAndersen_DK]

Amazing how much history is bound to large bodies of water. Thanks for adding it to yet another great mini adventure.

[@janakinski8575]

After watching all the sad news world wide ...I just enjoy one of your videos to regain peace.Thank you very much Simon💖

[@4wheelsonmywagon733]

BTW Simon - Love the social history narrative adds vastly to quality of content .... we are always learning .... thank you 👏👏🙏

[@debrasalt3598]

Isn't this wonderful?

[@debrasalt3598]

Thank you for enjoying some of the things I like, there is not much left apart from violence.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!!

[@debrasalt3598]

yes ,Sir it is & I Thank You for a dose of Sanity

[@johnwalker2860]

Fantastic Simon! Thanks for letting us share that little bit of heaven😁

[@greenmouse9354]

Lockdown is no fun there is one good side to it everybody is now getting a chance to hear nature with out the mechanical hum that is always there in the background even in some of the most remote places.Very little aircraft in the sky a few boats on the Broads And light traffic on the roads. A silence some people will only here a few times in their life.Thanks to videos like this or a simple walk.People go out and listen to it it’s good for the soul

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Definitely - it’s good for us all and it’s really good for nature! 👍😁

[@terry7907]

Glad you were so thoughtful of Maggie.

[@shortiebae152]

The shot of that beautiful bull was a beauty 7:43

[@pamfoster4894]

That's was fantastic. I live in Bramerton overlooking when you put in the water. I love that stretch of river and my boat is at Bramerton so I I have been up and down there a few times myself. The ferry house is a great dog friendly pub so please visit with Maggie as she will get so much attention from us staff. I've never been on Surlingham broad so thank you for filming that. I'll look out for you on the river xx 🛶

[@stevesmith3556]

What a beautiful day! Those are the ones we live for🙂

[@redwestonbushcraft5807]

I paddled some of this about 15 years ago. Picnics by windmils and pubs with jetties.its a superb place

[@janesilver2746]

Beautiful video thank you. I’m a local & often walked along the riverbank during lockdown last year- it was idyllic at times. Hearing that cuckoo brings back memories!

[@AxCYeR]

britain is such a stunning place, from north to south, east to west. if i won the lottery, i'd move there in a heartbeat. all the best from germany, and thanks for such nice and peaceful video.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you mate! 👍🇬🇧🤝🇩🇪🍻

[@linzearth]

Germany has a combined waterway network of about 40,000 kilometres, 25,000 of which is accessible to canoeists and kayakers all year round. The flat northern part that’s littered with lakes and canals, to the industrial western Rhineland and mountainous south, a kayaking trip in Germany is as varied as it is beautiful. Move from river to river, through changing landscapes. Britain is not even in the same class for scenery and variety for the canoeist.

[@adamheazlett1179]

Have a look at Canada or Australia. UK is mainly farmland and old buildings

[@NapoleonGelignite]

@Linz Earth - why do so many Hermans come to Norfolk? After Brits Germans are the most common nationality you come across on the Broads. Two best places for beer are Norfolk (best brewing malt in world) and Bavaria. Love to Germany from Norfolk. PS - what’s the best 5-7 day route in Germany for varied countryside. I’d like to avoid industrial areas and take in some local beers.

[@ajlook5457]

@@linzearth trouble is its full off moaning germans

[@Thechemikalbro]

Beautiful and serene, thanks for taking us along 👍.

[@leslieaustin151]

Simon, that was wonderful. Thank you. You don’t realise how noisy and intrusive the cruisers are till you hear one in a near silent setting. The sound of the water on your canoe hull was magic.. My dad went on cruiser holidays on the Broads in the 1930s, and used to show us photos so it’s a special place even though I’ve never seen them. Thanks again. Les in Chester PS, great camera work! Les

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Les! It probably hadn’t changed much in most areas since those lazy days in the 30s. 🛶

[@tess1433]

Interesting watch thank you. Lovely to see a bit of my village stretch from the river viewpoint 🙂

[@daveblackett4996]

the Norfolk wherry takes me back to when i was 13 yr old [1971] there was a converted wherry that took school kids on holiday around the Broads i was at school in Kendal in the lakes at the time, i can remember it took four of us to winch the sail up, thanks for the memories

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Lovely! I wonder if that Wherry is still in use? 👍

[@hazzardoutdoors]

Such beautiful cinematography you get Simon. You should be so proud.

[@bobazevedo9771]

Simon, that's why there were no boats, It was six o'clock in the morning., the beer boats don't going till midday, but youvve had the best bit of the day. My dear late father always said, "loose an hour in the morning and you'll chase it all day". Good on you Simon

[@MadGingerCat]

I've had my mental medicine - and it's hit the spot as always. Thank you Simon. Always a pleasure to view your content.

[@hemichargerrt01]

After a crappy day at work this made my day, Thanks from Minnesota, USA

[@papajeff5486]

This is probably too old for you to read; but, in the US we have bayous and swamps that can get a fellow lost pdq, pretty damn quick, very much like your broads, reeds, weeds too tall and thick, the ground too wet to walk. I’ve climbed a tree to look around and found my way out, for the bayous get mighty big, currents running funny. Unless you’re really familiar, it’s easy to get turned around. You did great. The relief on your face I could actually feel in my gut, because I’ve done the same thing. Thanks for the adventure. Texas

[@malcolmT]

Excellent just when the rain comes something worthwhile to watch looking forward to it 👍😀

[@paulinegatt6831]

Thankyou so much for your lovely videos.Its always a pleasure watching you!my husband watches daily your videos ,and I m getting hooked as well!Watching you from Malta.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Pauline!

[@SarahTree]

Great video Simon! Just loved watching it!😊👍👍🐂🐂🐃🐄🌲🌳🌲🦋🌻

[@annakonda386]

Simon you took me on a beautiful ride in your canoe, loved your company and so enjoyed all the things I saw through you eyes. Thank you with love from Western Australia.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Anna! 🛶😁

[@reverendstephen5665]

I've missed seeing your adventures - Welcome back Simon 🙂

[@4wheelsonmywagon733]

Wow, perfect way to unwind from a stressful working lockdown day....thank you Simon 👏👏 for your great quality content.

[@susanbrown2909]

4 wheels on My wagon Trust if your wound up..the broads is the place to go and unwind...so relaxing there. It’s got to be thee place of calmness.

[@ardenfreyjr.5500]

Simon, This is Arden Frey from Michigan in the USA. I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your videos and I know you will keep up the good work. Stay safe my friend but keep up the videos.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Arden! 👍🛶

[@leannecapewell7672]

Hey simon love your Channel! Keep up the good work! Your a true tonic xx and Maggie xx so beautiful xx

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Leanne!

[@loonypics6938]

Just brilliant Simon, here's an idea, bring a sketch pad next time so you can map your rout 1st left 2nd right etc, it should be a great way of not getting lost, a great project would be to draw a map of the whole water way network, hope to see you there again, stay safe TTFN.

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

This was fantastic, I've made my mind up to spend my birthday on the Broads September 2021 if possible, and spotted a few idyllic scenes here that beg to be painted ;-) Thanks so much!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

You’ll love it Lois, plus, in September, most of the holiday hordes have dissipated and the waterways should be a bit quieter. 👍

[@jasonnewman4983]

Beautiful video as usual Simon. Thanks for that. I was out there last week (different river but on The Broads) and watched a couple of otters playing. Sooo good to be out again! Take care and watch you later.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Beautiful!! A lucky spot!! 👍

[@RichardStansfield]

Wow, you fly along in that beautiful canoe. Awesome

[@freedomdove]

Thank you for the history lesson. Very interesting.

[@jamescoffey5225]

Nothing like a good feed after some time on the water. Wonderful video! What a first-rate, "homebrew" canoe! I miss Maggie. 😊

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks James! 🛶

[@todaysworldjw]

Fantastic. Just realised how much I was missing your videos 😀👍

[@dazmetcalfe1077]

Nice to see you back on the water in that beautiful boat of yours

[@angelakm6753]

Excellent - thank you Simon!

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

On a wonderful day like today, you could paddle ( sail )for ever, and ever...... My folks used to sing a song about a little brown jug but I think I'll be singing one about a Kelly kettle. What a day this has been.....

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I was thinking the very same thing! If I didn’t have other commitments, I think I could pack up my canoe and spend 6 months touring the waterways quite happily! 🛶

[@1990westfalia]

Simon, Thanks for being very descriptive in your narration. I was able to follow you via Google maps. I could even see the red cones that you paddled by. Also, I think I found your lunch spot on the river. I enjoyed the day on the broad. Cheers, Skillet

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks mate! Good detective work! 👍

[@1990westfalia]

Simon, a bloke in the woods its elementary my dear Watson. With your help of course! S Holmes. (Or Skillet)

[@suitsyousir79]

Fantastic video thank you very much. The broads is my favourite place in the world and I cannot wait to get back there.

[@lovelifeloveboat]

Great upload and massively informative, thank you

[@dirkhalske5023]

Thank you so much, Simon, to share this wonderful canoe day trip with us. Since three months I know your channel. In short words: I really love it. You explanations of all what you do it so interesting to me. I am looking forward for new videos and pictures. Many greetings.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Dirk! 👍😁

[@minnierose4398]

Great to see you have been paddling past my village! Another informative and peaceful upload, take care ❤

[@NapoleonGelignite]

Surlingham or Rockland?

[@JackeeCat]

Loved the history and scenery! Thanks for the wonderful video!

[@FiresideCoffee]

What a beautiful place. A river that’s as calm as a morning lake! Absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@daveevans8256]

Brilliant video thanks for sharing with us all. I have always wanted a Canadian canoe never managed to get one yet. It’s so peaceful with no engine noise. 👍🇬🇧

[@sim-sam]

Thanks Simon, very well, that we can enjoy nature anew. What a pleasure and a luxury...

[@markweisbeck3344]

Thanks Simon for taking us along on a beautiful day Broads paddle. Always glad to see you're doing well as we all ever so slowly emerge from lockdown.👍 Mark and Diane from "Happydale" Hudson Valley, NY

[@phatsid1]

Great to see you out and about again Simon. lovely day on the broads , can't beat it

[@BeeKay4444]

Life has been pretty difficult just lately and Simon your videos have been just what I needed. So relaxing and calm. Thank you for all the effort you put into these for YT! I wish I would have found you sooner. 😊

[@ge8448]

What a great place to get lost! Thank you

[@rkoff5744]

I really enjoyed this. Great views. That sandwich though. 😱

[@nicolastorgato]

I love these videos of you paddling and narrating interesting things. So relaxing and peaceful, thank you so much Simon, really! 🙂

[@davelucraft5825]

The Broads are just magical and I heard a cuckoo, a rare event here on the south coast nowadays. Thanks for a really great video.

[@Kb-cz9ch]

Some of the smaller broads reminded me of the film the African Queen when they had to pull the boat down the river. Great vid keep up the good work 😉

[@brianpoole4369]

Hi...I didn't read your comment, but I've just posted, and said the same thing..reminds me of the African queen...at least Simon didn't have to get out of the canoe, with those horrible leeches!...lol

[@carpenterpilot487]

Thanks for letting me know where was Maggie! U did right Simon, leaving Maggie home!

[@nickmarshall8583]

Well done for seizing that opportunity. Had no idea the Broads were like that but at least now I can say I've been there!

[@suesmith4325]

Thank you for filming! What a pleasant treat this was. So glad you are on the water once again.

[@syncrosimon]

Great to see you out and about. Live in Somerset now, but Norfolk is my ancestral home. Brampton in Suffolk is where my Aldreds originated, but the broads were where they made their livings. You may have seen Aldred Estate agents, started by my Great Grandfather, no longer in the family. So nice to enjoy the peace of lockdown, saves getting up at 4am, to get the same effect. Thanks for sharing 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Simon! 👍🛶

[@TheLuapsch]

Nice to see you out and back on the water Simon. Nice video.

[@richardhunt920]

Thanks Simon.

[@vincefeton1432]

Great video Simon just great to be back out on the water again.see you on the next one

[@Brian1972]

Thanks for the great video. I really enjoy your videos.

[@nopretribrapture2318]

i went all along there inc potter higham and the Hickling Broad etc,was in a rental holiday boat through hoseasons,moored up along the way for a week,lovely place very magical,saw some rare black swans etc,loveing the place even more now after this very calming excellent video😊👍 Thankyou.(lovely to hear a cuckoo again,their getting scarce,ive still never seen one in real life,not heard one here where i am near the peak district for a few years )

[@GoFoggy]

Nice one again, looked like you nicked my barrel and hat, but at closer look it really was yours! 😁😉

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - dont they all look the same? I put stickers on mine just so I can identify them!

[@50Squirrel]

Wonderful video again Simon, thank you for sharing.

[@mrblurecompany3478]

Great video Simon. Thanks for taking us along

[@colin-4794]

I used to fish from a boat with my father all along that stretch from Whittlingham to Rockland broad, that was some 50 years ago. This brought back some happy memories for me. It hasn't changed so much I'm glad to see. Thank's for posting this. Edit; by the way, some visitors using a hire craft got lost for 3 days in those finger channels, they were cut off from the main channel at times by the low tide, water levels, luckily their shouts for help were heard by people on a passing launch and they were rescued.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - both unlucky and lucky at the same time! I wonder if that’s why they put the bollards up? 👍

[@colin-4794]

@@simonablokeinthewoods Yes I think that was one of the reasons.

[@jasonaffeldt7838]

I enjoyed the video. Nice you showcased the area. Very interesting. Take care. 🇺🇸

[@jimgeelan5949]

First time watcher, absolutely mesmerising thanks for taking the time ! You have now got more of my time I’m going to catch up on you back catalogue 👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Jim! 👍👍👍

[@richardedwards5438]

Wonderful video, lovely to hear the Cettis Warbler at 4:10!

[@raywestwood2900]

Lovely to see you out on the water again, looking forward to many more trips and camps its what keeps us going.

[@joharmon2148]

This was a great video, nice paddle so calming. Thank you Simon

[@Qndzicz]

It was pure pleasure to watch this video.

[@darrellrogers3511]

Simon - Coincidently, I just did a four day paddle on the Manistee River in northern Michigan USA in my self-built stripper canoe while you were canoeing the broads! Fought the wind a little myself AND saw some cool historical stuff including remnants of logging drives from 125 years ago. Keep up the great work!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Darrell! I’d love to paddle some of those big N. American rivers - bet the logging artefacts were fascinating! 👍🛶

[@stemcleeds]

Appreciating your camera angles, obviously a lot of effort for you.

[@livingfreeasme8346]

Mesmerizing and very beautiful Simon.

[@blister4walken]

Great video. What a perfect way to enjoy a quiet, sunny day. Especially like the little channels, proper adventure. No go-pro sinking this time 😀

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - not this time! Cheers!

[@xaraxania]

Wow i love the Kelly Kettle i'd love one of those and what a fabulous journey, i'm so incredibly jealous of that location

[@northernembersoutdoors1045]

Cool, I've just finished work and have something to watch tonight while having dinner, I enjoyed the WW2 airfield video last time out, in fact I found it fascinating, looking forward to this, cheers Simon.

[@JohnSmith-zv8km]

Just fell into your video and felt relaxed as soon as I started watching. I am looking at buying a canoe although I can't afford one like yours so I am thinking of an inflatable to begin with. Thanks for the wonderful video.

[@thomasjones9863]

A Tonic 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍🏻😌 Thanks Simon

[@malcolmT]

Brilliant, I felt as if I was on the water with you, so interesting hearing about the history of the Broads, First time I'd seen the kettle perfect like you said for that type of trip. Stay safe mate looking forward to seeing the next one 👍😁

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Malcolm! 😁🛶

[@Scotty-gg4gc]

I love your canoe ! What a pretty camping spot.

[@paulfisher4293]

Thanks, much appreciated. A really good chill-out video. Many years since I've been to the broads, still has magic. With Canadian canoe and Kelly kettle... Excellent. Keep well, stay safe and looking forward to to more👍

[@cyndywaskelisthecrowscall]

This was a very relaxing kind of video. Thanks for sharing. Also, the angle of the shot as you poured the water from the kettle was kind of trippy - seeing water pouring out when you can see right through to the ground on the other side of it. :)

[@Baldyford]

So many good things to say about you and your channel Simon...top notch! I've never visited the Broads but am now convinced it'll be the next destination for a family camping trip with a little paddle. Thank you kindly for all your efforts and sharing with everyone! All the best mate!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Lee! 😁🛶👍

[@tombarrett1487]

I've just checked the OS map and this is near to Rockland St Mary where a friend of mine has just moved to! Great video as always, Simon. Thanks so much, Tom.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Bonus! Parking and a post paddle cuppa sorted!! 👍🛶😁

[@Gordie79hamilton]

What a beautiful place. 🥰🤘

[@grahamfarr4179]

Thanks Simon, I am so jealous right now

[@steveschlobohm5793]

That looked like an awesome trip. thanks for the video. stay safe my friend!

[@philipwallis5587]

Great video Simon..👍 Looks like we will have to add this to our list for a paddle the next time we come to Norfolk..Surlingham looks amazing..👍👍😀

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

It’s a stunning paddle Phil -you’d love it! There is a lot more than I saw too, plus a ‘nearly wild’ campsite on the Broad too! 😉👍🛶

[@RyanS493]

What a treat! Thanks Simon!

[@myselfbuildjourney1219]

Thank you for your beautiful videos. So personal and informative.

[@SteveOutside]

Nice one mate... Love that kettle!

[@debrasalt3598]

My God, that is a beautiful canoe, a real piece of artistry.I did shipwright work and I totally respect the the builder.I love your vids, a dose of Sanity in chaos.I believe that the Vikings actually travelled up this river a long time ago, as in 954 AD

[@wiseonwords]

Debra Salt - I think Simon himself made the canoe.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

You are probably right, and earlier than that, the Romans also used these river networks. Thank you - I built the canoe about 5 years ago, took about 50 hrs or so - I’ve yet to paddle a plastic canoe that is as agile or light, so it was definitely 50hrs well spent! 😁🛶

[@debrasalt3598]

@@simonablokeinthewoods I found out that Viking were in the Wessex area as early as 685-700 AD! Those Longboats were really incredible because they were Ocean going and river worthy.The Viking museum in York was a great place to visit, amazing! You woodworking skills are excellent.