The Wherrymans Way - Rockland to Loddon

Start: The George & Dragon, Thurton (NR14 6AL). Grid ref. TG 327 009

Waymarkers: The route follows the Wherrymans Way markers which are regularly placed throughout the route.

(S) The bus stop is located on either side of the main road at the cross roads in the centre of the village. To get to the Wherrymans Way, one needs to cut across the country from Thurton. Take the road signposted for Ashby St Mary and proceed up the gentle hill until Mill Common junctions on the right.

(1) Just beyond, also on the right is a footpath between the house boundaries. Take this which leads through to a country lane. Walk out onto the lane and follow it around to the left where Ashby St Mary church stands.

(2) Just before the church, a footpath leads off on the right across the fields. After crossing three fields it turns into a straight track which leads down to Claxton.

(3) Before the end, a footpath leads off on the left, cutting diagonally across the fields to emerge onto a road opposite the site of Claxton Castle. Turn left onto the road and follow this through to a junction. Keep straight ahead, continuing onwards when the road bends to the left. This track leads down into a tree-filled gulley where a footpath leads off to the right, cutting across the fields and out onto a farm track. Turn right onto the track which leads out onto the road at Rockland.

(4) Turn right and follow the road down to Rockland Staithe. The Wherrymens Way leads down the side of Rockland Staithe and then leads off around Rockland Broad. There is a viewing point with a timber hide which is accessible via a boardwalk from the path. Beyond this, the path leads alongside the dyke and then alongside the River Yare. Keep to this path until the Beauchamp Arms is encountered. Take the lane that leads up to the pub.

(5) Turn left at the junction. Follow Ferry Road through Langley village. At the far end is a junction with a war memorial, take the left which leads onto Langley Dyke. A footpath leads alongside and then continues alongside the river through to Hardley Staithe. Walk around the Staithe and continue along the river bank. The river Yare is then joined by the River Chet, the meeting being marked by an ancient stone cross. The path continues alongside the River Chet going down into Chedgrave.

(6) Turn left and at the junction with Longley Road, turn left to follow the road onto the main road through the village. The White Horse pub is opposite the junction. Continue along the road through the village and into Loddon. The bus stop, is just beyond Loddon Mill with the Swan Inn opposite.(E)

Start: The George & Dragon, Thurton (NR14 6AL). Grid ref. TG 327 009

Transport: First Group - Bus Service : First Group X2 service Lowestoft to Norwich via Beccles and Loddon.
Unfortunately, there is no direct public transport links to break this distance up and it therefore necessitates a walk-off route to the main A146 Lowestoft/Norwich road. Using Rockland as a midpoint, this can break the walk up into two shorter sections.

Refreshments:

• Beauchamp Arms, Langley
• White Horse, Chedgrave
• The Swan, Loddon

Find more information and walks at Griffmonsters Great Walks here.

Langley Legends