Memories from the Yare wanted to bring Wherryman's Way alive
A new long distance walk through the Yare Valley between Norwich and Great Yarmouth is to be opened next May – and the memories of local people are needed to make it come alive.
The 35 mile Wherryman’s Way follows the trail along which the legendary Norwich character Billy Bluelight ran to race for bets the old trading barges carrying their cargo between Norwich and the coast.
The riverside route will travel through existing rights of way from Whitlingham Country Park to Bramerton, Surlingham, Rockland, the Beauchamp Arms and Loddon. It will cross the river at Reedham by ferry and follow the northern bank to Berney Arms Mill and along the shore of Breydon Water to Great Yarmouth.
There will also be ten new circular walks around villages, three waterside paths suitable for wheelchair users at Whitlingham, Rockland St Mary and Chedgrave, as well as a cycle trail linking villages on both sides of the river.
The Wherryman’s Way, which will help regenerate the under-used Southern Broads area, is a partnership project between Norfolk County Council, the Broads Authority and South Norfolk District Council using LEADER + funding.
Visitors will be able to mix and match their route and mode of transport to include walking, cycling, rail and riverbus. Seating and interpretation boards will be provided along the way.
Lee Cozens, Broads Authority Countryside Ranger for the Yare and Chet said:
“We are very keen for communities to be involved in the creation of this experience and we want to hear their stories, see their photographs and record their memories so we can bring the Wherryman’s Way alive for others.
“We want to hear about the lives of the wherrymen, the history, heritage and wildlife of the Yare Valley, and any stories from the villages.”
People with stories, memories or old photographs should ring the Broads Authority on 01603 610734 and, if they choose, arrange to call in. Alternatively they can post any memorabilia to the Broads Authority, 18 Colegate, Norwich, NR3 1BQ, or email broads@broads-authority.gov.uk.
09/11/2004
