Horsey Windpump and Estate Walk Norfolk
'The Bitterns boomed and Marsh Harriers hawked over Horsey, the caterpillars of the Swallowtail were still to be found on clumps of Milk Parsley' - Sir Peter Scott. ************************************************************************ Experience the Broadland landscape and wealth of wildlife of the National Trust's Horsey Estate. See its Mere, reed-beds, marshes and drainage mills.
The National Trust acquired The Horsey Estate in 1948 from the Buxton family, who continue to manage it. This walk is provided with support from our lessee, the Horsey Estate Trust who manage much of the Horsey Estate, and also with thanks to the Broads Authority and the Broadland Flood Alleviation Project. Suitable for families.
Map
Start:
National Trust car park, Horsey Windpump. NR29 4EF grid ref: TG456223
1
From the car park head back towards the entrance and visit Horsey Staithe Stores (Mar-Nov) for information on the area, a warm welcome and a quick cup of tea or coffee. From the Stores, head to the Staithe and follow the path along the flood bank, adjacent to the car park and around the edge of Horsey Mere.
Horsey Staithe Stores
Originally built in 1933 as a village co-operative, the stores were inundated during the last sea flood at Horsey in 1938. Sea water came halfway up the door.
2
At Lady's Hill turn right, heading north follow this new flood-bank, and then turn left towards Waxham Cut.
Horsey Mere
Horsey Mere and surrounding reed beds are a haven for wildlife. The Mere offers superb sailing and fishing whilst in winter a wildfowl refuge operates. The Mere hosts over 5,000 wildfowl, and boat users are asked to avoid the Mere from November to March each year.
3
Where the path rejoins the flood-bank turn right and continue along a large dyke, the Waxham Cut. You will see the derelict Brograve Drainage Mill ahead of you.
Brograve Mill
Brograve Mill is a wind-pump and is approximately 1 mile north of Horsey Mere. It is thought to have last worked around 1930 and was built in 1771 by Sir Berney Brograve. The mill is a Grade II listed building and the earliest surviving tower mill in the Broads.
4
Turn right opposite the mill and leave the flood-bank. Enter a field. Walk along the edge of the field until you reach the stile and a bridge over a dyke. Cross both and continue to the houses at Horsey Corner.
5
When you reach the metalled road turn right, then left between the houses and continue on a narrow path into a field.
6
Continue along the field edge and turn right where the path meets a hedge. Continue on; the path widens and has a hedge either side.
7
The grassy track joins a metalled road (Binsley Close). Continue on past the houses and All Saints' Church, Horsey. Follow the road round to left and continue before turning right and reaching the main road (B1159).
All Saints Church
All Saints' Church is tucked away in a quiet corner of the village. This thatched church has a Saxon round tower and repays a visit for the unspoilt atmosphere of the interior which is deeply prayerful. All Saints' was re-thatched in 2010; warmly welcomes visitors, and is open daily from dawn until dusk. Take a detour to look at the church if you have the time.
8
Taking care, cross the road and turn left and over a small foot bridge. Go left and walk along the field edge to the field entrance. Turn right and walk down the narrow lane to your right (The Street) looking out for traffic. Continue down The Street past houses, National Trust holiday cottages and the Nelson Head pub and restaurant.
Horsey Barns Holiday Cottages
Why not stay within walking distance of Horsey Windpump, and the sea on the edge of the Norfolk Broads National Park? These traditional Norfolk buildings have been carefully converted to provide warm and comfortable holiday accommodation of great character. Call 0344 335 1287 for more information.
9
Passing the pub on your left, and after approx 100m look out for a wide grassy path on you right. Follow this path keeping a ditch on your left hand side. Continue until reaching a stile ahead of you. NOTE: the remainder of this walk is via a permissive path provided by the Horsey Estate Trust
10
Cross the stile and turn right. You will see Horsey Windpump ahead. Continue to the main road. Take care crossing the road. Toilets are in the car park. Have a deserved cup of tea/cake at the shop.
Horsey Windpump
Standing sentinel over the moorings at the Staithe. The last tower mill built in the Broads in 1912, it offers superb views over Horsey Mere and surrounding countryside and coast. Set within the Broads National Park, the Horsey estate is an internationally important site for wildlife and offers a great spot for bird-watching and wintering wildfowl.
End:
National Trust car park, Horsey Windpump. NR29 4EF grid ref: TG456223
