A walk along the River Chet

From Loddon Staithe to Hardley Cross

Please note: The damaged bridge at Hardley Flood has now been replaced allowing walkers to walk part of the route alongside the Flood but a further section of the walk from the eastern end of the Flood for approximately 1km is now closed for flood defence works.
A diversion is signposted from Chedgrave Common.

A map is not strictly necessary as the route runs along the north side of the Chet but if you wish to extend your walk Ordnance Survey Landranger sheet 134 (Norwich and The Broads) or Explorer sheet OL40 (The Broads) cover the area.

The walk starts at Loddon Staithe (MR 361990) and takes you to Hardley Cross (MR 401012)and constitutes part of the Wherryman's Way a long distance path that follows the course of the River Yare from Norwich to Great Yarmouth

	Start the walk from the Staithe. You can park here or at Church Plain in the centre of Loddon.
From the Staithe cross the bridge over the Chet by the Water Mill. Pass the Millenium Gardens and turn right along an un-made roadway past the new housing development and towards the boatyards.
	Take the narrow path between the boatyard and the boat storage area and follow it past the remaining boatyards until you reach the road. Over the stile, into the meadow and onto the river bank.
Opposite you will see Pyes Mill, a popular picnic spot with free moorings. Continue along the path on the river bank, passing Chedgrave Common and on to Hardley Flood.
	Hardley Flood, a popular spot for bird watching.
The path continues between Hardley Flood and the River Chet, very narrow in places and bridged where the river feeds the Flood. Walking can be wet and slippery along here, particularly at high tides.
The river follows a series of gentle bends as it passes Hardley Flood
At the end of the Flood the path turns sharp left and then continues right, over a stile, along the river bank.
	The path follows the top of the flood bank and the river is lined with reeds.
On your left you can look across the fields and see Hardley Church in the distance. The river continues in a series of broad sweeping bends until it reaches the River Yare.
	Where the Chet joins the Yare can be found Hardley Cross the ancient boundary between the City of Norwich and the Borough of Great Yarmouth. From here you can re-trace your steps to Loddon or continue your walk along the banks of the Yare towards Hardley Staithe and beyond.