Explore Reedham through its paths along the River Yare and the history of its drainage mills. A circular walk passes Red Mill; other walks follow the river or include sections of the Wherryman’s Way. The ferry, church and railway swing bridge offer additional historical points of interest. When planning, you can choose between routes based on whether you prefer a starting point at the Quay, a view across the river or a walk to a mill site.

Walking routes and their destinations

Reedham Quay is the starting point for walkers on the north side of the River Yare. Parking is available by the river at Reedham Quay or at Reedham Ferry. The Reedham Walk offers views across the River Yare to Norton Marsh. The Reedham circular walk has a different focus: it passes Red Mill. This gives walkers a choice between a route with views across the river and a circular walk featuring a historic mill site.

The Wherry Lines Walks: Reedham route follows the banks of the River Yare and sections of the long-distance Wherryman’s Way. Near the Ship Inn, Wherryman’s Way signs lead along Holly Farm Road and beside the river towards Polkey’s Mill. This route identifies specific sections and a direction; it offers a separate point of reference alongside the starting point at the Quay and the Reedham Walk, with its views of Norton Marsh.

There is also an approximate walking time for visiting the Polkey’s Mill & Reedham Steam Engine site: from Reedham Village, it can be reached on foot in about 45 minutes via the Wherryman’s Way footpath. The duration is an estimate. You can use it as a separate planning detail from the other walking destinations mentioned in Reedham.

Red Mill and Polkey’s Mill

Red Mill was a drainage windpump built in 1540 and lies on the Reedham circular walk. The mill burned down during a storm in 1890. Its history makes it a historic stop along the route; it differs from the Polkey’s Mill site, where a group of working drainage mills is described.

The Polkey’s Mill & Reedham Steam Engine site includes an old steam engine house and a diesel engine shed, as well as a group of working drainage mills. One mill at the site has been fully restored to working order. The site also traces the entire history of the development of drainage mills. Together, these details give the site several specific themes: mills, their development, and the additional buildings housing a steam engine and diesel engine.

Ferry, church and bridge

The Reedham Chain Ferry crosses the River Yare and is the last ferry of its kind still operating on the Broads. A crossing has existed in Reedham at the site of the Reedham Chain Ferry since the early 17th century.

A church has stood on the grounds of St John the Baptist’s in Reedham since the 7th century. The Wherry Lines Railway Ramble 4 takes walkers to this church, providing a named walking route with a historic destination. Reedham Swing Bridge, the railway swing bridge in Reedham, dates from the early 1900s. Pettitts Animal Adventure Park is on Church Road in Reedham, Norfolk.

Discover more destinations: Harleston, Ditchingham, Dereham, Saham Toney, Swanton Abbott, Heacham, Downham Market, East Harling

For the wider travel overview: Norfolk.