| Although this was a boating holiday on the Norfolk | | | | As we leave Oulton Broad we enter the River |
| Broads, it actually starts in Suffolk at Oulton | | | | Waveney, this then separates into two, so we |
| Broad. Picking up your boat hire at Topcrafts | | | | choose to go left towards Beccles. On our way |
| boatyard, which is a family run business, you are | | | | we pass some lovely sights. The river is narrow |
| immediately impressed with your floating | | | | as we approach a marina at Burgh St Peter and |
| accommodation. | | | | notice a large leaping pike made of metal! It |
| It was March so the weather was fairly cold, but | | | | marks the entrance to the Waveney River |
| thankfully the boat has central heating! In fact, it | | | | Centre. It turns out that the large fish is called |
| has all your modern home from home facilities, | | | | Eddie 2. We stop over at the well appointed |
| Microwave Toaster, Electric kettle, TV, DVD | | | | marina for a short time, which was free! If you |
| player and Stereo radio/CD player. The boat is | | | | need to stay overnight there is a fee. |
| wide and has plenty of big windows so you can | | | | The Waveney River Centre is set in a grassy |
| see all the wonderful scenery as you travel | | | | green area with trees all around. An Inn called - |
| across the wide expanse of water. | | | | your've guess it - the Waveney Inn is close by |
| As we make our way towards Beccles from | | | | and really caters for all the family, with play areas |
| Oulton Broad, we pass various motorboats, | | | | and live entertainment. The town of Burgh St |
| yachts, windsurfers and fishermen on the banks, | | | | Peter is a reasonable walk away or you can take |
| all enjoying this peaceful green landscape. The | | | | the bus. But we returned to the boat and set off |
| boat has a steering position in the bow area so | | | | further up river towards Beccles. |
| you have a clear vision ahead. | | | | Beccles is an old fashion market town, famous |
| There are no locks to negotiate as the Broads | | | | for church and separate tower with houses built |
| are a vast network of lakes and rivers, all | | | | over a hundred years ago. There is a good |
| connected. With so much to see as you motor | | | | selection of shops, pubs and restaurants |
| along there is never a dull moment. Wildlife is all | | | | throughout the town, all set beside the river. We |
| around you, and on your Norfolk Broads holiday | | | | went to see the town's museum. A very old |
| you can explore nature reserves and country | | | | building dating back to 1570 it houses a very large |
| parks, many with nature trails, bird watching hides, | | | | number of historic photos of the Broads. |
| guided trips and special exhibitions. Fishermen have | | | | We spend the night at Beccles and moor up at |
| access to some wonderful coarse fishing, and we | | | | the river bank. Next day we retrace our steps |
| see lots of people on the banks or in small boats | | | | back to Topcrafts boatyard at Oulton Broad, |
| with their rods out. | | | | again seeing some interesting sights. |