Horstead to Buxton along the River Bure – autumn in the Broads

Sometimes referred to as ‘the Gateway to the Broads, Horstead is a great base for exploring the region. This short amble explores both flanks of the River Bure, taking you through some gorgeous pockets of woodland, to the village of Buxton and back.

Upon departing Horstead, it’s worth taking some time to admire All Saints’ Church, with its trio of red-bricked roofs and superb stained glass windows. The first half of the walk shadows the River Bure on its western side, hugging its banks particularly closely after you cross Mayton Road. There’s a good chance of encounters with wildlife, particularly swans and kingfishers along the river.

The village of Buxton marks the halfway point and you soon join the Bure Valley Path, which runs alongside the Bure Valley Railway, a heritage line that runs from Wroxham to Aylesham. After a short while, you leave the railway behind and join the banks of the Bure once more, following its gentle course back to Horstead.

The route crosses the river at Horstead Mill. Once an oft-photographed sight, the mill burned down in 1963 and, today, only the lower parts of the original structure remain. From here, it’s just a short stroll to the endpoint at the award-winning Recruiting Sergeant pub, where quality food and refreshing drinks await.