Boating along the Breydon Water

A passage across Breydon Water offers the most challenging boating on the Broads - but don't let that discourage you from using it to cross from northern rivers to the south and vice versa.

it's important to time your arrival in Great Yarmouth with the right tide - slack low water or just afterwards. It takes around 2.25 hours to get to Yarmouth from Acle on the Bure and 1.75 hours from Reedham (River Yare) or St Olaves (River Waveney). See local press for times or buy a set of tide tables. At slack low water the current is not so strong so it's easier to moor and there's more room to pass under the two bridges on the Bure. Note that it's not possible to pass under these bridges at high water.

Mooring is not permitted in Breydon Water and anchoring allowed only in emergencies. The tide at the eastern end can run quickly. The navigable channel is very shallow at low water and is is marked with red and green posts. Boaters should on no account deviate from the indicated course.

The Broads Authority maintains a ranger patrol on Breydon and they'll be happy to give you advice. Assistance is also available from River Control (01603 625091) or - if you are in a hire boat - your boatyard.

The eastern end of Breydon on the outskirts of Yarmouth marks the limit of navigation for hire craft. At Yarmouth the Broads Authority provides moorings at Yarmouth Yacht Station. Be sure to approach the mooring against the tide. When you moor up, don't forget that the tide rises and falls by up to 7 feet (2.2m) so set mooring lines accordingly.

Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.