Ormesby Broad Walks
This short walk takes you along Ormesby Broad to the village of Ormesby St Michael where you can visit Ormesby Little Broad.
At the end of the walk there's also a splendid waterside pub for refreshment. From the start point there's also the option of heading into the nearby village of Rollesby.
The walk starts on Rollesby Bridge where there's a public car park. There's also the Waterside Cafe on the western side of the bridge, which offers an alternative start/finish point. You can follow the pavement east along the bridge where there are views to Rollesby Broad to the south and Ormesby Broad to the north. The road will eventually lead you to Ormesby St Michael where you can turn south along a country lane to take you down to Ormesby Little Broad. Here you can enjoy views across the water from the lovely garden area of The Boathouse restaurant. The route returns to the car park on the same paths but you could extend the walk by heading into the village of Rollesby on the western side of the bridge. There's an interesting 14th century church to see here.
The broad and village are next to Fleggburgh and Filby Broad where there are more nice trails to try.
Ormesby Broad Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Ormesby Broad Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Ormesby Broad OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Ormesby Broad Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
In Ormesby St Michael you can enjoy a drink at The Boathouse. It's in a lovely spot, overlooking the broad and set in 11 acres of beautiful parkland. They have a large garden area with several tables right next to the water. They also serve high quality food and provide accommodation if you need to stay over. You can find them at the end of Eels Foot Road with a postcode of NR29 3LP for your sat navs. They are also dog friendly if you have your canine friend with you.
At the other end of the walk in Rollesby there's The Waterside near the bridge and car park. There's a lovely cafe here with views over Rollesby Broad to enjoy.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Head north east from the broad and you can visit the delightful coastal village of Winterton on Sea. There's much to enjoy here with village features including a lighthouse, pretty cottages, unusual roundhouses and a fine 17th century pub. The area also includes the noteworthy Winterton Dunes. The dunes are part of a National Nature Reserve where you can look out for a variety of coastal birds and the natterjack toad. The Winterton on Sea Walk starts at the lighthouse and takes you through the dunes to Horsey Windpump and Horsey Mere and Martham Broad.
To the north there's also Hickling Broad. It's the largest of the Broads and a fantastic area for birdwatching with several species to look out for on the water. In the village of Hickling you can also pick up the Weavers' Way. This waymarked long distance footpath takes you to several of the highlights of the Norfolk Broads.
Just to the north west you can pick up the Potter Heigham Walk. The historic village includes River Walks along the Thurne river, a mediaeval bridge and the Church of St Nicholas which dates from the 12th century.
To the south there's the expansive Breydon Water, near Great Yarmouth.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Norfolk Broads Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Rollesby Broad from the Sailing Club jetty. Rollesby Broad is one of the Trinity Broads of Norfolk.
Jetty into Ormesby Little Broad
Village sign, Ormesby St Michael
The edge of the Ormesby Little Broad in Ormesby St Michael.
Broad View in Rollesby - the village is located just to the west of the start of this walk and well worth a visit after you stroll to Ormesby St Michael. The broad here is viewed across barleyfield, from Court Road. The village of Rollesby - mentioned in the Domesday Book as Rotholfuesby and believed to have been a Viking settlement - is situated eight miles northwest of the seaside town of Great Yarmouth. Being isolated from the other Norfolk Broads, Rollesby Broad (linked to Filby and Ormesby Broad) is an ideal place for fishing and sailing as the use of motorised pleasure crafts is not permitted. In 2001 the parish, which for purposes of local government belongs to the district of Great Yarmouth, had a population of 995 in 408 households. St George's church is one of 120-odd round tower churches in Great Britain, most of which can be found in Norfolk.
St George's Church, Rollesby. St George's church has a round tower with an octagonal upper section and dates mainly from the 14th century but there was an extensive restoration during the 19th century and there are not many older survivals. The font is C19, the east window is by Powell & Sons (d. 1922). A C17 monument - to Rose Claxton, who died in 1601 - is located beside the high altar but only the tomb chest and effigy remain. The C17 monument to Leonard Mapes of Beeston (next Norwich), depicting the deceased with his wife and children, was executed in alabaster. A curious cubicle is located in the southeastern corner of the sanctuary; it has two entries and might have served as a sacristy. The church is kept locked but a key is available.
The Old Court House in Rollesby. The Old Court House was built in 1775-6 as a workhouse. An inscription over the door informs about its purpose: "For the Instruction of Youth, the Encouragement of Industry, The Relief of Want, the Support of Old Age, and the Comfort of Infirmity and Pain." The inhabitants used to work on near-by Union Farm.
Old World Cottages, Rollesby. Built of brick with a thatched roof; the east gable has a chequered diamond pattern, and a plaque with the name of the cottages and the figure "1583", the year they were built.