Wherryman's Way Walk - Stage Four - Directions Are Remarkably Easy
So we reach the final stage of our relatively short but very enjoyable walk. Whilst we actually did the stages in a bit of a mixed order (check the dates) this final stage of the Wherryman's Way walk actually did feel like an ending, even though we actually still had an earlier stage left to complete.
Maybe the travel just to get to the start helped that feeling. Despite setting out rather early for this stage, once we had completed the drive, caught the bus and then the train to Reedham it was actually mid morning before we were able to officially begin the days walk.
We were lucky to have another beautiful day and in some ways it was maybe a little too hot at times, especially as we were without shade for much of the way.
Once we had navigated the walk along Reedham Staithe and up onto the river flood defences it was a very simple walk into Great Yarmouth. In fact, we didn't vary from the grassy track until the final few steps.
As the guidebook stated, “directions are remarkably easy.”
Which meant that I actually got to put away the book for most of the walk, a rare treat!
In fact, once we left the swing railway bridge behind us in Reedham and navigated a couple of lanes it really was straightforward.
A river side path to Seven Mile Farm, Polkeys Mill, Cadges Mill and Berney Arms Mill.
All beautiful alongside a very quiet and peaceful river with just a few passing boats.
The fascination for me on this stage was actually at the Berney Arms, another derelict pub. We stopped here for lunch and I took the time to do a little research about this rather strange place. A pub on the river, closed since 2015, completely inaccessible by road, that used to get its trade from passing river traffic and, rather strangely, a request stop on the local railway line, a yomp away over surrounding fields.
With very few scheduled rail services, it is no wonder that the pub closed and it is also no great surprise to find out that the local stop, named after the pub, was the least used station in Britain in 2019.
We found ourselves flagging just a little at this stage and took the very sensible step of chatting to the owner of a boat, moored at Berney Arms for some fishing, and begging a top up of our water bottles.
Thankfully he was kind enough to oblige.
Continuing on our way we watched the clouds slowly roll over and, thankfully, bring the temperature down a little before passing Burgh Castle on the opposing side of the river and arriving, eventually, at the RSPB Breydon Water site just outside of our destination. I think it's fair to say that this large wet land area looked atmospheric in the gathering gloom despite the neighbouring railway sidings.
We did spend a few moments tracking a few birds of prey over the reserve but otherwise the area seemed to be largely quiet.
The final stage of the walk was sadly underwhelming, under a built up road and bridge and onto a footpath around the supermarket and McDonalds. Even the station was unimpressive.
But this ending should not overshadow what was a glorious day and walk.
So we now have a big tick against the Wherryman's Way.
Wherryman’s Way - done it!
And while some of the instructions may have been a little confusing at times and some of the distances maybe slightly less than accurate, well, it was still a wonderful way to explore the Norfolk countryside and enjoy some beautiful and peaceful moments.
Stage 4 – Reedham to Great Yarmouth
Date of walk - 26th August 2025
Distance walked - 11.9 miles / 19.04 km
Floors climbed (using Apple Health app.) - 6 floors
Final Totals – 42.7 miles / 68.32 km / 15 floors
