The Wherryman's Way is in the Broads – Britain's largest protected wetland. This installation is one of a number along this 35-mile recreational route following the course of the River Yare between Norwich and Great Yarmouth. The route takes its name from the wherry – a large cargo-carrying barge whose elegant black sails were a once common sight on these waters.

Wherries have been part of life in the Broads for hundreds of years. Before roads and railways, waterways were the main transport routes for trade and people. River trade – the ability to bring in raw materials and export finished goods – helped make Norwich England’s second city.

The earliest wherry-type vessel was the square-rigged keel, but by the beginning of the 19th century the most numerous craft was the wherry – single-sailed and specially designed for the shallow waterways of the Broads. The heyday of the trading wherries was the 19th century when several hundred sailed the waterways, carrying all sorts of cargoes - stone, coal, bricks, timber, reeds, even ice.

The River Yare was an important trading route, linking Norwich with the port of Great Yarmouth and the wider world beyond. Most towns and villages had dykes connecting them to the river, and a 'staithe' – a place where wherries moored to load and unload goods. Road and rail transport eventually took over from wherries, particularly after the 1914-18 war, when they were left to do the rougher jobs like dredging and carrying reed. By the mid-20th century there were no sailing wherries regularly trading on the Broads.

Fortunately, wherries had a new lease of life as pleasure craft. Some were converted for holiday use, and by the 1880s pleasure wherries were being purpose-built for holidays. The final development was the wherry yacht, combining the efficiency of the wherry design with the elegance and deck space of a yacht.

Most towns and villages on Werryman's Way can be reached using public transport. Ideal for family excursions as walkers can and mix and match their route and mode of transport. Why not do part of your journey by river bus and walk back. It stops at Whitlingham Park and Coldham Hall on a scheduled route. There are also free 24 hours moorings along the route and many pubs with customer moorings.

There are ten new circular walks around villages and three waterside paths providing easy access for pushchairs and wheelchairs, while a cycle trail linked to the National Cycle Route runs along both sides of the River Yare.

On the way there is not only stunning scenery to explore, wildlife to spot and riverside pubs for refuelling, but walkers can discover the history of a century ago. Stainless steel wherry sails, life-like figures, an audio post and information panels all help to tell the story along the way.

The Wherryman's Way has cost in the region of £200,000. The Wherryman's Way is a partnership project between the Chet Valley Development Partnership, the Broads Authority, South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council. Many other local people have also been involved. The project is mainly funded by the Broads & Rivers LEADER+ programme, with further support from the project partners.

Download a route map of Wherryman's Way.
Download a PDF of Wherryman's Way leaflet.

Norwich Tourist Information Centre
Tel. 01603 727927

Great Yarmouth Tourist Information Centre
Tel. 01493 842195

Broads Authority Information Centres
Tel. 01603 610734