We are the only boat hire company offering a free bridge pilot service at Wroxham Bridge, the gateway to a beautiful tranquil part of the Broads.
At Barnes Brinkcraft, we’re thrilled to offer something other holiday boat hire companies don’t—a bridge pilot who’s as skilled as they are brave! Yes, thanks to our pilotage service under Wroxham Bridge, our hire boat customers can enjoy the beautiful stretch of the river up to Coltishall with three great pubs, and more peaceful waterways ideal for paddleboarding and canoes, not to mention great local shopping. Unfortunately for anyone hiring from other companies, that part of the Norfolk Broads boating holiday map is currently a “no-go zone.”
Why Is Pilotage Under Wroxham Bridge Such a Big Deal?
Navigating Wroxham Bridge isn’t for the faint-hearted or those who think “close enough” works when it comes to tight spaces. (Spoiler: It doesn’t.) After a competitor’s pilotage service hit a hiccup—by which we mean a bridge—other companies have bowed out of the game entirely. But at Barnes Brinkcraft, our experienced pilots have you covered (and your boat undamaged).
Of course, we can only guide Barnes Brinkcraft hire boats under the bridge when conditions are just right. Think of us like Goldilocks—no rushing through if the water’s too high or too low! Here’s what we consider:
- The height of the tide (because boats + bridges + too little clearance = a bad day).
- The weather forecast (it gets a bit tedious getting stuck on the wrong side of the bridge following a big downpour overnight)
- Whether a spring tide is doing its dramatic thing.
- What’s a Spring Tide, You Ask?
For those who aren’t fluent in tide-speak, a spring tide is when the Earth, moon, and sun align like a celestial conga line, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.
At Wroxham, the rise and fall during a spring tide is about 1 foot—just enough to make things interesting.
Check Your Boat’s Suitability
Not all boats can squeeze under Wroxham Bridge, so check the Barnes Brinkcraft hire boat pages for height details. If in doubt, give us a shout.
So, if you’re planning a Norfolk Broads boat hire adventure and want to explore beyond Wroxham Bridge, don’t settle for less. With our pilotage service, you can enjoy all the charm, tranquillity, and adventure of the Broads without the stress of playing “bridge limbo.”
Booking Your Pilot
Give us a ring on 01603 782625 or pop into reception, and we’ll summon Tom—our resident bridge whisperer. He may grumble about having to stroll into the village, but deep down, he loves the chance to show off his finely honed boat-threading skills. Think of it as the nautical equivalent of flexing his muscles—except with a lot more precision and a lot less gym time.
Day Boats
Don’t worry – provided the cover is down, they should fit through Wroxham Bridge, and if we have some pesky weather, the guys at the day boat site will give you the heads up. Or, in this instance, the heads down!
