Council Services
River walks
Norwich lies at the head of the navigable waters of the River Yare, where it is joined by its major tributary, the Wensum. The two main river valleys, along with the smaller river valleys of the Tud and Tas, have had a significant influence on the development of Norwich.
The steep wooded ridges in Norwich are part of the natural river valley landscape and the narrow valley floors are characterised by grazing marshes. These are typical of the lower river valleys of the Norfolk Broads.
Norwich's river walks are managed by the city council's green spaces team. The Yare Valley Walk is managed in partnership with the Norwich Fringe Project.
Pulls Ferry, Riverside Walk
Yare Valley Walk
This follows the River Yare from Bowthorpe Southern Park all the way to Marston Marsh, which is close to the Ipswich Road, through a range of different habitats, including four local nature reserves - Danby Wood, Marston Marsh, Earlham Park Woods and Bowthorpe Marsh.
The walk also goes by the man-made broad at the University of East Anglia, created in the 1970s. The Norwich Fringe Project has built a boardwalk that makes this part of the walk accessible even in wet conditions.
Wensum Riverside Walk
The Riverside Walk follows the River Wensum from the city centre to Hellesdon. The walk can be continued by joining the Marriotts Way, which is also a Sustrans cycle route. In spring, the city centre portion of the walk is a blaze of colour.
A spot well worth looking out for is the Cow Tower, part of the Norwich's medieval defences. Near to the Cow Tower is a place called 'the beach' by locals, which is a favourite spot for children wanting to feed ducks and swans.
Cow Tower on Riverside Walk
For further information please contact green spaces on:
t: 0344 980 3333
e: info@norwich.gov.uk
