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

[@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!!

[@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

[@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😁

[@stevesmith3556]

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

[@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 🛶

[@janakinski8575]

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

[@MichaelAndersen_DK]

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

[@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! 👍😁

[@shortiebae152]

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

[@hazzardoutdoors]

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

[@tess1433]

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

[@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

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Simon . 🐺 Loupis Canis .

[@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

[@hemichargerrt01]

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

[@Thechemikalbro]

Beautiful and serene, thanks for taking us along 👍.

[@angelakm6753]

Excellent - thank you Simon!

[@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. 👍

[@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!

[@Kenbur]

Thanks, Simon. The world is a little bit more normal again. I get to sit back and watch a vid from Simon, a bloke in the woods. Lovely video ATB

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Ken!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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! 👍🛶

[@terry7907]

Glad you were so thoughtful of Maggie.

[@todaysworldjw]

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

[@SarahTree]

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

[@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. 🛶

[@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! 🛶😁

[@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.

[@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)

[@dazmetcalfe1077]

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

[@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!! 👍

[@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. 😊

[@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? 👍

[@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.

[@redwestonbushcraft5807]

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

[@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.

[@JackeeCat]

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

[@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! 🛶

[@rkoff5744]

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

[@freedomdove]

Thank you for the history lesson. Very interesting.

[@50Squirrel]

Wonderful video again Simon, thank you for sharing.

[@minnierose4398]

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

[@NapoleonGelignite]

Surlingham or Rockland?

[@reverendstephen5665]

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

[@NaCreagachaDubha]

A beautiful video, Simon. Magnificent images!

[@suitsyousir79]

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

[@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! 🛶

[@ge8448]

What a great place to get lost! 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! 👍😁

[@PumpkinVillage]

That was very nice and interesting. Lunch looked good. Thank you for the video. Take care and stay safe, Al

[@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.

[@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.

[@richardedwards5438]

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

[@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! 👍👍👍

[@Brian1972]

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

[@RichardStansfield]

Wow, you fly along in that beautiful canoe. Awesome

[@johnboy658]

For the past 5 years our holidays have been that area, not this year sadly.. During lockdown we have made home brew..'Woodforde Wherry'.. watching this whilst having a pint.... Thankyou.. p.s. love the vids.. keep them coming..👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

A nice drop indeed! Thanks John. 👍

[@RunBadgerRun]

It was pure pleasure to watch this video.

[@lauriebloggs8391]

What a film! A lot of work especially with the remote camera filming. My new favourite canoeing video ("film" sounds so much better!). Thank you, that's a part of the Broads I have yet to paddle........

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Laurie! Definitely worth an explore! (There’s even a ‘nearly’ wild campsite on Surlingham Broad -shhh!) 😁🛶

[@lauriebloggs8391]

@@simonablokeinthewoods re campsite......not this year....apparently?

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Just been back to this delightful film......a real tonic to this Covid winter..........the sounds of the windward waves under the hull, the birdsong (even a cuckoo?) and the otherwise silence........again thank you.

[@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.

[@paulroossien5322]

Great video simon those broads are beautiful you certainly picked a good day

[@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

[@joharmon2148]

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

[@jasonaffeldt7838]

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

[@TheLuapsch]

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

[@mrblurecompany3478]

Great video Simon. Thanks for taking us along

[@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!

[@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! 😁🛶👍

[@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. 👍🇬🇧

[@Scotland_my]

What a beautiful place. 🥰🤘

[@vincefeton1432]

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

[@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 )

[@suesmith4325]

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

[@sim-sam]

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

[@carpenterpilot487]

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

[@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

[@livingfreeasme8346]

Mesmerizing and very beautiful Simon.

[@Restileestraps]

Nice to see you back in the canoe Simon! Another great video, really enjoyed it!

[@paulfisher4293]

Just seen this one. Really good Simon. The history bits especially gave it the edge. Was about 10 last time visited the broads, am 66 now. Think well worth another visit 😊

[@raywestwood2900]

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

[@swill7526]

My son in this twenties and I just watched this. Wonderful to see that you make the best use of time. I'll be sharing this. Beyond the chaos.

[@swill7526]

Thanks again.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!

[@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!

[@vann8414]

Very peaceful. Thanks for the history lesson.

[@KayakFishing2021]

We love your videos. Keep up the great work! 👍

[@myselfbuildjourney1219]

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

[@wrzlgummidge7663]

Nice one Simon, good to see you back on the water again. A lovely section of the Broads - apparently every year dozens of tourists, mostly from Essex, get lost for days on end in those side channels! atb

[@susanbrown2909]

wrzl gummidge People come from all over to the Broads.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Oooh, you’ll get yourself in trouble with statements like that! 😳

[@RyanS493]

What a treat! Thanks Simon!

[@Scotty-gg4gc]

I love your canoe ! What a pretty camping spot.

[@nicxla.s]

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

[@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.

[@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. :)

[@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! 😉👍🛶

[@robertgoodbody2936]

Good to see your out n about again and making great vids as always

[@steveschlobohm5793]

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

[@richardhunt920]

Thanks Simon.

[@johnmel2603]

Love the birdsong in the background on your videos, it's so relaxing. Thank's so much for what you are doing, your videos have kept me sane through lock down!

[@grahamfarr4179]

Thanks Simon, I am so jealous right now

[@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