Stokesby and Muck Fleet
Through the Norfolk Broads - A walk through historic marshland and along the River Bure in Norfolk
Google Maps Open Source Maps| Statistics and Files | ||
|---|---|---|
| Start: Stokesby | Distance: 4.3 miles (6.9 km) | Climbing: 18 metres |
| Grid Ref: TG 43060 10621 | Time: 2 hours | Rating: Easy |
| GPX Route File | Google Earth File | About Stokesby |
| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Start: Stokesby | Distance: 4.3 miles (6.9 km) |
| Climbing: 18 metres | Grid Ref: TG 43060 10621 |
| Time: 2 hours | Rating: Easy |
| GPX Route File | Google Earth File |
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)
The Walk: Stokesby, where the walk begins, is a traditional broadland village on the River Bure, with an attractive quay and riverside inn. The village green is surrounded by thatched and pantiled houses overlooked by a long thatched church on a hill which though only ten metres high is significant in the surrounding pan flat countryside.
River Bure
Stokesby
From Stokesby the walk crosses fields with wide views over a flood plain with Dyke gates and wind pumps. Drainage of the marshes began in Norman times and wind pumps first appeared in the 17th century. They have now been replaced by electric pumps. Wet areas gradually change from open water to fens as shallow water in fills with plant material to form peat. Sedges and herbaceous plants follow and then carr woodland.
The oddly named Muck Fleet separates a nature reserve of carr woodland from the grazing marsh. Lillies and water soldier can be seen on the surface and a variety of insects feed on the banks. Southwards the River Bure crosses well drained marsh to a bank where an enormous Archimedes screw-type pump lifts water into the river. In summer this is a popular place with motor cruisers passing the disused windmill.
Acknowledgments: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.
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