Cantley Marshes

Joe Jackson

You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.

Cantley is a small village several miles south of Acle. It is dominated by the large sugar factory on the eastern side of the village, but thankfully this walk avoids that altogether. Starting off in the village centre (in the village hall car park) the route follows the country lane down towards the first school and then a footpath over a small hill and back down to the road. From the highest point on this hill, to the south west (by the large clump of trees) you can just make out Langley Abbey on the other side of the river. From here the route crosses the railway line and enters Cantley Marshes Nature Reserve. The route through the reserve is simple but, during the right time of year you can see a huge range of wildlife, especially birds. On arrival at the riverbank, the route does a quick ‘there and back’ detour up the River Yare. The reason for the 20 minute detour is the view of Langley Abbey (shown in the general photo for this walk). The abbey is still about 300m away on the other side of the river but you can make it out clearly. The abbey was founded in the 12th Century and a fair amount still remains above ground. The abbey is well worth a visit with a museum inside and the chance of private guided tours around the abbey and grounds. Unfortunately the nearest crossing is several miles away at Reedham (ferry service – seasonal). The route then follows the riverbank footpath round to the Reedcutter pub in Cantley and then country lanes back up to the village hall.

England - East England - Norfolk - Broads