Norfolk Broads - The Forum - Potter Heigham Bridge

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Dibbler

I am a great lover of all the Broads traditions and history but...

I just know I'm risking getting my ears chewed off here but...is there anyone else out there who thinks Potter Heigham bridge should be dynamited or at least bypassed? There are some great places above the bridge to which access is bridge-restricted not only by boat heights but also by the vaguaries of the weather and the tides. If I'm in the minority in my dislike of this historical carbuncle then I'll glady shut my cakehole and deal with it but I would be interested to know what you guys and gals think Question

Paul

Apr-09-2005 @ 5:35 PM

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I would predict that the situation it has created over the years (the restriction of passage to Hickling, Horsey and Somerton), would produce a deadlock of contrary views.

I agree It's frustrating for anyone not able to pass under the bridge to visit those areas, but conversely it's that very fact that makes them so peaceful.

I doubt whether anyone regards the structure itself as a valuable monument, but a great many would be very much against the barrier being 'raised'... Smile

Denise

Apr-09-2005 @ 6:07 PM

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Even the forward steering boats can't always get through....as we've discovered on the last three holidays.
May half term always seems to co-incide with higher than usual high tides.

The width of the boat seems to be important as well because of the arch shape - many of the 12ft wide boats are too wide rather than too high.

A day boat would seem to be a very good idea - or one of the narrow aft cockpit sports cruisers.

This message was edited by Denise on 4-9-05 @ 5:08 PM

smbruce

Apr-09-2005 @ 6:18 PM

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Hi Dibbler

In answer to your original question, no I don't think it should be dynamited or bypassed, nor do I think it's a carbuncle. Incidentally, although I disagree with you, nor do I think you should shut your cakehole!! Whether you're in the minority or not - surely you're entitled to have your say?
I have to say in 37 years of boating I've only been under PH bridge twice - once in a hireboat and once in a trip-boat. I'd quite like to have a look again and, like Alan and Denise, I'll probably hire a dayboat.

Like Paul, I find it frustrating, but I also agree it probably makes that area more peaceful.

Cheers

Steve

Paul

Apr-09-2005 @ 6:42 PM

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When I kept my boat at Potter, I kept an eye on the bridge on an almost daily basis, and I would say that most hire boats and cruisers (forward, centre or aft control), have difficulty passing under most of the time, rather than just some of the time.
Here's a photo of my Hampton passing under the arch.
Looking through the brochures, most of the cruisers have an air draft of about 6'6" or more, which is very tight for most tides.
To add to the problem, you can't just nose your way carefully through because of the current and crosswinds. Blush

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BroadsInMay

Apr-09-2005 @ 7:55 PM

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You'd think that in this day and age there'd be a way of shaving a few inches off the arch without altering the overall structural appearance of the bridge. Any Civil Engineers out there who could suggest a solution this problem ?

With the worsening climatic situation discussions along these lines are going to become far more common in the coming years

Dave

Dibbler

Apr-09-2005 @ 8:14 PM

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Hi Steve...thanks for your comments.

I have to confess, I had not thought about the peace aspect above the bridge...I feel such a berk. It is obviously a very good thing that there is a Broads area where the tranquility is maintained in this way. My original view at the start of this thread was a bit extreme. My apologies to anyone who may have been offended. Blush

We will visit Potter Heigham this year and hire a dayboat and go to Hickling etc and enjoy the stunning beauty of the area from a smaller vessel...

John

This message was edited by Dibbler on 5-11-05 @ 11:25 AM

kfurbank

Apr-10-2005 @ 1:49 AM

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I have to say that having only passed under the bridge once, only adds to the charm and makes me want to return again.

I started a similar thread a few days ago, because I only recently discovered that there used to be a very similar bridge at Acle.

My advice if passing through the bridge would be to use the pilot, private or hire. Smile

When I went through before it was in a hire boat, however what's the situation if you use the pilot in a private boat and he does strike the bridge? Question

billmaxted

Apr-10-2005 @ 8:21 AM

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If you do go through go up to West Sommerton and see the Broads as they were 100 years ago. With Beam clearly visable in the crystal waters of 'Martham Broad'

I know you knew what you were doing, dear, but you still hit the other boat! Bill...

steve

Apr-10-2005 @ 9:27 AM