WandererEast 2025
September 23 - September 27
Free – £72.05WandererEast
on the Norfolk Broads based at Hickling SC
Four Days of organised cruising Tuesday September 23rd to Friday September 26th.
Berths available at Hickling Broad SC for 1 – 7 nights from
Saturday 20th to Saturday 27th September 2025
In response to popular demand we return to Hickling Broad SC this year for 4 days of organised cruising on the Broads. Book for 1-4 nights if you plan to arrive on Monday 22nd September to leave any time until after sailing on Friday 26th or book for any 5-7 nights from arriving on Saturday 20th to leaving on Saturday 27th September.
One cruise that we greatly enjoyed last year was to Horsey Mere. This is by a narrow channel for which an alternative means of propulsion (oars, paddles, engine) may well be required. The wide expanse of water at Horsey makes for good sailing. Moorings (fee applies) and a café are available at Horsey Staithe. Another choice which most of us did not manage to reach last year is a lovely sail across Martham Broad nature reserve to West Somerton. A great place to see Marsh Harriers, and the water can be crystal clear if the conditions are right).
Neil Lawrence, our cruise leader, is also planning to go further on the Broads river network to the bustling riverside village of Potter Heigham, known for its medieval bridge (free mooring, pub, coffee shop, café, supermarket). To go beyond Potter Heigham, we recommend practice at dropping and raising your mast to pass under the bridge. (you will need oars / paddle / outboard as there are 2 low bridges about 500 metres apart.) From there we can continue to the beautiful wooded Womack Water.
There will be no safety boat support. Cruising-in-company is recommended. Note. You will need a Broads Authority short visit toll for sailing in the area. To make things easy WCOA will take payment for the toll charge with your booking and provide the permit on arrival, unless you already have a Broads Authority permit.
The nearest supermarket is Tesco Stalham (3 miles from Hickling). For non-sailors, Hickling nature reserve is well worth a visit, and it’s a 2 mile drive to the sandy beach at Sea Palling.
Accommodation
Hickling Camp site be open for camping or campervans. The site also has 6 Shepherds huts for rent. More information at www.hicklingcampsite.co.uk .
The Greyhound Inn at Hickling will be our local pub (great food), http://www.greyhoundinn.com/, a pleasure to be shared with evening meals at the Pleasure Boat Inn. Participants will be asked for their meal orders a few days in advance. For local hotel and guest house accommodation this is a useful website: Hotels, B&Bs and Guest Houses in Hickling, Norfolk – Prices, reviews and ratings for Hickling Hotels, B&Bs and Guest Houses (stayengland.uk)
If coming, please contact Richard Maltby richard.maltby9@gmail.com, tel 07548 752823.
Tickets for all bookings for WandererEast are purchased online.
You can purchase tickets below for the event. You MUST include the free EVENT PARTICIPATION ticket with the necessary declarations completed.
The relevant documents can be accessed here:
- WCOA EVENT RISK STATEMENT DECLARATION
- DATA PROTECTION and USE OF IMAGES of YOU and YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS TAKING PART
- MEDICAL INFORMATION AND IMPAIRMENTS
- WCOA Safer Cruising Guidelines
The HBSC berth charge includes temporary membership and use of club facilities.
Broads Visitor Toll charges are standard for one week (min). The charge for an engine includes any petrol or electric outboard engine.
