The River Thurne is a river in Norfolk, England in The Broads.[1] Just 7 miles (11 km) long, it rises 2 miles (3.2 km) from the coast near Martham Broad and is navigable from West Somerton. It flows southwest and is linked by Candle Dyke and Heigham Sound to both Horsey Mere and Hickling Broad. It continues southwest and flows through Potter Heigham (passing under its medieval bridge) and enters the River Bure just south of Thurne dyke, near St Benet’s Abbey.
Much of the River Thurne system is navigable, but there are a number of restrictions to the size of boats that can use it. The most famous is the medieval bridge at Potter Heigham. Most road traffic now uses the A149 Bypass, slightly to the north, but the narrow central arch restricts passage to boats needing headroom of less than 6.6 feet (2.0 m), and is the lowest bridge on the Broads. In addition, the river is still tidal here, and although the rise and fall is only about 6 inches (15 cm), currents through the bridge are quite strong. It is a requirement that all hire craft take on a pilot before they pass under the bridge.[2]
Above Potter Heigham, the river is joined by Candle Dyke, which connects to Heigham Sound, from which White Slea Mere leads on to Hickling Broad, where there are moorings. Both Heigham Sound and Hickling Broad are quite shallow, and the navigation channels are clearly marked. Hickling Broad is also a National Nature Reserve. From Heigham Sound, Meadow Dyke leads northwards to Horsey Mere, most of which is a National Trust nature reserve. The National Trust also own Horsey Drainage Mill. Beyond Horsey Mere lies Waxham New Cut, along which boats up to 30 feet (9.1 m) long can travel for about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to Lound Bridge. The sea is less than 1 mile (1.6 km) from the bridge at this point, although it is 26 miles (42 km) away by boat.[2]
The main river is navigable almost to its source. The channel passes between the parts of Martham Broad, which is a nature reserve owned by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, to reach West Somerton staithes. The staithes are at the end of a dyke cut from Martham Broad to the village.[2]
Below Potter Heigham, Womack Water is navigable to Ludham, about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the main channel, but is only 4 feet (1.2 m) deep. Navigation is restricted to boats under 46 feet (14 m) in length. Thurne Dyke, a little further below that, is only 3 feet (0.9 m) deep and can be navigated for 170 yards (160 m) to the village of Thurne.[2]
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