The PaddlerUK magazine July 2015 issue 3 | Page 42

P D L RUK 42
A DE

Soon enough we rejoined the main channel of
Norton creek, and were back insight of
Brancaster Staithe – our start/endpoint.
All that was left to do was paddle across the open
stretch of water outside of the staithe that forms
at higher tide heights and up the last few hundred
metres of creek back to the car park. At this point
mother nature treated us to a pretty impressive
lightning show, which definitely sped up our
paddling, but thankfully never got too close!
The morning greeted us with bright sunshine,
but with some ominous clouds on the horizon
and some rumbles of thunder in the distance we
decided to get a move on and get on the water.
We left our campsite about 30 minutes before
we had intended, which meant an extra few
hundred metres of walking across the flats, but
was more than worth it to get ahead of those
storm clouds!
Once on the water we headed up the main
channel that runs up the inside of the island
called Norton Creek. About 400 metres or so
from the end of the island the creek splits into
two channels. It is worth having a little look at a
map before getting to this point as the obvious
right hand channel is NOT the correct route,
Norton creek actually continues along the left
channel, the right takes you a fair way into the
island before abruptly stopping, but this is not
obvious from the water.
A kilometre further on again we took another
left hand channel this is actually a detour from
Norton creek called Trowland creek. It does add
a little distance to the trip, but takes you right
out into one of the remotest parts of the marsh,
and was well worth the effort.

We didn’t hang around in Brancaster for long as
we needed to get back to work, but whilst
driving back it began to sink in how much we
had achieved in an evening, how much we had
experienced, and how easy it had been to do.
We will never overlook our backyard again, and
when those stresses and strains of modern life
get a bit much – we know exactly how to ease
them – go boating!

Useful info…
Hazards/restrictions: As already mentioned,
please make yourself aware of the national nature
reserve restrictions.There can be significant tidal
flow at both ends of the island and in the creeks at
certain tide heights – please make yourself familiar
with the local conditions before setting off. At
higher tide heights the flooded marshes are very
popular for sailing and windsurfing – keep an eye
out for other water users.
Sea conditions can change quickly, please check
the sea state and weather before leaving – if
unsure, please contact the local coastguard!