Upton Marshes, River Bure and Drainage Mills

A flat Broadland circuit from Upton Staithe, following Upton Dyke out to the River Bure and returning through grazing marshes beside the wooded edge of Upton Broad. Open skies, boats on the river and distant drainage mills give the walk its character. The full loop is about 8 km; allow around 2½ hours on the grass paths.

Start at the public parking at the head of Upton Dyke on Boat Dyke Road, near NR13 6BL. Follow the public path along the north side of the dyke to the Bure, then keep the river on your right. Continue upstream past Upton drainage mill and around the broad river bends towards the view of St Benet’s Abbey on the opposite bank. This route stays on the Upton bank throughout.

At the western bend leave the river on the signed path south into the marshes. Follow the public path’s turns rather than cutting across the drainage ditches. Join the permissive path along the woodland edge and follow it southeast towards Upton. Cross the small path bridges near the marsh track junction, then take the public path south and southeast past Palmer’s Mill to return to the staithe. Use the plotted route at the junctions: the mill walk is not continuously waymarked.

The landscape is managed for wildlife, with lapwing and marsh harrier among the birds to look for. Mills across the water are views, not stops reached by crossing the river. There are gates, a stile and small bridges; the grass paths can be muddy, uneven or overgrown. Wear waterproof walking footwear and keep back from the unfenced water.

Walk in daylight, between dawn and dusk. Cattle may be grazing, so follow signs and keep dogs on a short lead. This circuit avoids the dog-restricted Upton Fen interior. Check Environment Agency flood alerts for the tidal Bure, Ant and Thurne and current Norfolk Wildlife Trust access notices before setting out, particularly after heavy rain or high tides. Turn back at flooding or any closure; do not cross flooded paths or ditches.

Route and access references: Water, Mills and Marshes Upton Marshes Mill Walk (watermillsandmarshes.org.uk/trails/upton-marshes-mill-walk/) and Norfolk Wildlife Trust Upton Broad and Marshes (norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/UptonBroad).