How Hill and Ludham Bridge Riverside Walk
Norfolk
How Hill is a low rise above the River Ant in the Norfolk Broads, its Edwardian house and gardens built for a Norwich businessman in the early 1900s and now the centre of a National Nature Reserve of reed and wet woodland, where dogs are kept on a lead in the gardens around the house. This out and back walk of around 3.8km leaves the car park through the walled and secret gardens, then drops to Turf Fen and its restored drainage mill beside the river. From there a riverside path follows the River Ant for nearly two miles to Ludham Bridge, passing Toad Hole Cottage, a marshman's cottage, now a small museum, before retracing the same path to How Hill. The ground is flat throughout, on grass and gravel paths that can be soft after rain.
This is a dog friendly walk with a good stretch of open riverside path where a dog can enjoy the water and the wide Broads views, though the gardens around How Hill House ask for dogs to be kept on a lead. The reserve is grazing marsh and reedbed managed for wetland birds, including marsh harriers, so keep dogs to the path and under close control, particularly around the riverbank and any grazing livestock. There is no shade on the open marsh, so bring water in summer. Toad Hole Cottage has dog waste bins nearby, and the Wayfarers Cafe at Ludham Bridge is dog friendly, making a good turning point. The How Hill car park asks for a small donation towards its upkeep.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.8 km (2.4 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- River, Historic
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Toad Hole Cottage and the dog friendly Wayfarers Cafe at Ludham Bridge; seasonal toilets at How Hill.
- Parking
- How Hill car park (How Hill Trust), suggested GBP 3 donation.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to How Hill and Ludham Bridge Riverside Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in NorfolkFrequently Asked Questions
Is How Hill and Ludham Bridge Riverside Walk dog friendly?
Yes, this is a good walk for dogs, rated 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The highlight is nearly two miles of open riverside path along the River Ant, where dogs can enjoy the water and wide Broads views. The Wayfarers Cafe at Ludham Bridge is dog friendly too, making a pleasant stopping point before you head back.
Can dogs be off lead at How Hill and Ludham Bridge Riverside Walk?
Dogs need to be kept on a lead in the gardens around How Hill House, and the reserve is managed wetland habitat for birds including marsh harriers, so close control is needed near the riverbank and any grazing livestock. The open riverside path between Turf Fen and Ludham Bridge offers more freedom, though it's worth keeping a careful eye on your dog around the water's edge and the marsh.
What should I know before visiting How Hill and Ludham Bridge Riverside Walk with my dog?
The walk is 3.8km out and back on flat grass and gravel paths, which can get soft after rain, so be prepared for muddy paws. There's no shade on the open marsh, so bring water for your dog in warmer months. Dog waste bins can be found near Toad Hole Cottage, parking at How Hill car park is pay by donation (around £3), and the Wayfarers Cafe at Ludham Bridge makes a good turnaround point.
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