Broads ?

[itsonlymoney]

Was talking to someone the other day about the Broads and he seemed to think that it was a bit shall we say grubby these days. Well thats not how I remember it from 89 so what exactly is the situation on the broads these days re - the above and also with the popularity of private and hire boats etc. Pics and or links would be nice.
Ian

 

[ChristianR]

I was based on the Broads up until last season. However my parents still have a boat on the southern side and I was up there 2 weeks ago.

At the moment there are major flood defence works taking place creating a scar on the landscape. However, I am sure once these works are complete and the diggers disappear then you would hardly notice any difference.

As to litter etc. I wouldn't say this was a problem.

Hire boats - I think approx 300 were sold-off last year as this type of business became less profitable. The rivers and moorings appear quieter this season as a result.

Pollution into the river is more tightly controlled and much wildlife has returned to the region - many of the rivers appear narrower as a result of plant growth.

The river police still plod up and down rigorously enforcing speed limits and the coasters that used to supply the sugar factory have disappeared.

And finally if you moor up at Norwich, the little buggers still cut your ropes in the middle of the night! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Doffy]

Not the place it used to be, however if you have low enough air hieght then the nothern rivers are best.

The southern sector is ok if you have a FB so you can look over reeds.

Good pubs are few and far between nowdays, Coldham, Reedham Ferry seem to be the most popular.

The flood protection scheme is coming to an end, so the ditches are every where no one knows why but the birds like them, I think the RSPB and the BA are the same??

With only an exception the river inspectors are a surley lot, radar guns in hand ready to pounce on boats from the reeds, can't understand why your doing 7mph on one engine on tickover when the tide is with you, they insist that you slow down, I usually put both engines astern and give them a talk about why I should not risk my boat and lives because of 5mph is the limit. Sorry but they P***me off.

But saying all that a couple of weeks doing north and south will be a quiet holiday.

Good Curry house in Oulton Broad good Chiniese TA.

 

[muchy_]

I'm based on the Northern rivers and it's still very clean and tidy. There is more wildlife around now than a few years ago (seems so to me anyway). Yes the river inpectors do pound the beat a lot hoping to catch people out and they can spot an out of date river licence from 500 yards in the fog at night. There seems to be just as many hire boats around as a few years ago and it's still a good idea to keep out of thier way.

 

[jimh]

we spent a few days on the broads last summer - went in at Lowestoft, first night on Oulton Broad, 2nd at Beccles, 3rd at Reedham, 4th at Brundall - then back same route.

It was not same as I remembered when my parents took me 20 years ago? - biggest shock was lack of riverside watering holes / facilities. Rivers were clean and we well were prepared for the hire boat dodgems - so I spose all in all we had a good a time, not sure that we will go back though.

 

[timndebs]

I agree with Doffy, the speed limits make little sense. It's a tidal waterway with strong currents in the lower sections but the speed limits (and heavy fines) are measured at ground speed. So 8 knotts with a sizeable bow wave against a strong current is acceptable, but 3 knotts in and out of gear the other way isn't. Clearly a rule developed by a large committee soaking up the inflation busting tolls.
On the southern broads the best beer is at Coldhams Hall, Brundall. Best food at Priory Farm, St Olaves.
If you break down or foul a prop then Andy Stone at Brooms of Brundall or “Robert” at Goodchilds Marina at the top of Breydon Water are both very dependable.
I’ve not been on the Broads as long as some but in my time there the hire boat population appears to be dieing slowly and with it the prosperity of the pubs and restaurants. The loss of income for the authority from hire tolls has been compensated by heavy year on year increases in private tolls. I would estimate they have at least doubled in the last 10 years. That said it’s a safe a peaceful waterway with plenty of scenic options, the wildlife is fantastic with King Fishers and Grebes aplenty. The Canadian Geese population was becoming a bit of an issue last year but there’s been a large “reduction” in numbers during the winter …. (Bootiful!!). I’ll be leaving the Broads soon (in 7 days) to go and make the most of the “red” whilst we’ve still got it. I’ve had a lovely time there and made loads of new friends (Doffy included) so as a leaving comment I would thoroughly recommend it.

 

[itsonlymoney]

Thanks to everyone who replied.
Ian