A Little Gift From The Boatboy's Locker.

[Paul]

Should you happen to be navigating the River Waveney during the long glorious days of summer ahead, then take time to moor at Cove Staithe, midway between WRC and Beccles on the south bank of the river. From here you are a very pleasant thirty minute walk from two of Broadland's finest public houses which you might not have heard of, let alone visited. 

A green road, known as Cove Dam leads from the staithe across the marshes to Marsh lane and in to North Cove. Take care crossing the railway line, a hundred yards or so after which the lane bears left ignoring the farm track to alder carr to the right. At the end of the lane turn right still Marsh Lane and follow this road past Covehall Farm until you reach the entrance to North Cove Hall on your right next to which there is a footpath which leads on to a closed section of the Old Lowestoft Road where you will find the Three Horseshoes. 

A delightful pub which caters to all tastes and a real example to anyone modernising a pub on how to do it properly. The interior is very smart without being "sterilised" as other pubs in the area have been. Always several real ales available on hand pump, good range of bottled beers and ciders and a decent wine list. Food is excellent with Thai cuisine on selected nights, but you can still get a fishfinger sandwich or cheesy chips if you prefer and prices are very reasonable. Occasionally have live music especially on Sunday Afternoons and if you are lucky enough to be in the vicinity on August 18th then the wonderful Tosh Ewins will be along to entertain you, between 4 and 7. 

Leaving the Horseshoes retrace your steps along the footpath to Marsh Lane which  you cross and proceed along The Street opposite which will take you into Barnby. As the road turns right to join the bypass take a left turn into Swan Lane, past the garden centre and the farm and you will find the Swan on your left hand side as you come to The Green. This is more of a diner's establishment with occasional Thai Nights (must be a poplar cuisine in these parts) but the highlight here is afternoon tea, available in three forms. Cream, Savoury or High Tea but must be booked 24 hours ahead, and the excellent seafood restaurant. There is a full menu for those who prefer something a little less fishy and whilst prices are higher than the Horseshoes they are still good value. 

From the Swan, turn left along the Green and onto Sidings Lane which becomes Wadehall Lane, past Fairfield Farm (two lovely holiday cottages here btw) then turn right down a track marked Public Footpath, Wadehall Old Dam. Again, take care crossing the railway line then a footpath takes you back across the marshes to Six Mile Corner on the river 400 yards or so down stream of the staithe. Turn left along the river bank back to your boat.

Distances?

From the river to the Three Horseshoes about a mile and a half along well laid green roads, lanes and footpath. 

From the Horshoes to the Swan about a mile and a quarter along footpath and village lanes. 

From the Swan to the staithe around a mile and a half along country lanes, farm track and river bank. 

The walking is generally flat and quite easy, just the section along the riverbank can be a bit squishy in place during wet weather. Allow thirty minutes for each section.

http://www.thethreehorseshoesnorthcove.co.uk/index.html

https://thebarnbyswan.co.uk/

 

 

 

ma1_pmw.pdf

[vanessan]

Darn, now you’ve let the cat out of the bag. Another secret shared! All very true though, it is a lovely walk with buildings of interest on the way. Very pleasant moorings at North Cove too. 

[Guest]

I covered this walk last Christmas in my winters tale thingymybob although I did it the opposite way around, it's a lovely walk and the pubs are very nice and friendly, especially The Three Horseshoes where the woman wouldn't leave me alone and just kept talking to me all evening 

The Swan is much more "posh" but pleasant with it and looked lovely with all the decorations and the tree up. Most importantly, they both serve a fine pint of Stella 

[SwanR]

Haven’t done the pubs but loved the night we spent moored at North Cove a few years ago. Very peaceful spot. 

[Guest]

6 minutes ago, SwanR said:

Haven’t done the pubs but loved the night we spent moored at North Cove a few years ago. Very peaceful spot. 

It's a beautiful spot Mrs Jean, and the walk is pleasant even if you only tried one bar, although the last time I was there was last December and the walk back to the boat in the dark through the secluded tree lined footpath wouldn't have been for everyone