The best walks and hikes around Barton Turf

Barton Broad's alder carr woodland would be inaccessible to walkers but for an excellent boardwalk that leads to a fine viewpoint across the water. This type of wet woodland is like a lost world, little pockets of undisturbed wildernesses. Expect a plethora of ferns, liverworts and mosses. While perfect for wheelchairs and buggies, bear in mind that dogs are not permitted on the boardwalk, with the exception of guide dogs.

Dug out during the medieval peat industry's heyday, today Barton Broad is a haven for wildlife. This boardwalk gives access to a lovely viewpoint across the water, while also letting you get up close to the alder carr woodland. The fens here are home to some nationally rare invertebrates, including the iconic swallowtail butterfly.

Owned by the Norfolk Archaeological Trust, the ruin of St Benet's Abbey is an evocative sight. At the height of the 12th century, this monastery would have been a major force in the region. Today, the remains stand silent on the banks of the River Bure, testament to a former glory.

One of three official visitor centres in the Broads, Toad Hole Cottage is full of information regarding the national park. This delightful marshman's cottage was inhabited during Victorian times and has been left in its original state, allowing visitors to imagine what it was like to live and work here. You can also buy tickets for a local wildlife walking trail.

Things to know: First of all, it is a delightful walk. If you begin at Ludham Bridge, there are plenty of places to park along the road. They are free parking pull-outs, so you're not exposed to parking on a narrow street. There is a bakery and public toilets. Although the walk parallels the river, you're not really next to it, except for a couple of spots. Nonetheless it's still very picturesque. Most of the path was easy to navigate accept for one short stretch where the tall grass had obscured the trail. It was very short, and if you look to your left, you'll see the posts of a short bridge, so just aim for that. At about the halfway point is How Hill Estate. It's rather a dramatic building with a thatched roof. Unusual for a building that size. I think you can get a room there if you're not from the area. There's a large lawn there, a place to watch the boats and, most importantly, public toilets and take-away café. It can be busy on the weekends so pick your day. Although we were there on a Sunday in July and it wasn't bad. Then it's back the way you came. FYI The Dog pub is just a short, safe, walk up the road from the start/end of the walk, in case you're interested.

The idyllic village of Irstead is located on the edge of the Norfolk Broads, nestled alongside the river Ant. The village features a number of quaint thatched cottages, a picturesque church, and a pleasant rural charm.

This viewpoint looks over the expansive freshwater lake of Barton Broad in Norfolk. The lake features gorgeous reed beds and waterlilies that provide home for a number of wonderful bird species including marsh harriers, bitterns, and great crested grebes. Boating enthusiasts are often seen exploring the lake's waters too.

Only reachable by boat across the River Ant, Turf Fen Drainage Mill is an attractive 19th-century windmill. It was built to drain the marsh behind it so that livestock could graze on the land. It has been restored by the Norfolk Windmills Trust, after falling out of use in 1920.