The River Yare rises to the south of Dereham, near the village of Shipdham. It flows for around 52 miles in an eastward direction across Norfolk, where it is joined by the River Tiffey just before Bawburgh. The river continues its journey across the southern fringes of Norwich, passing Bowthorpe and the University of East Anglia (UEA), before it is joined by the River Tas in Lakenham and the River Wensum at Whitlingham Broad. Despite the Wensum being the larger river, the Yare retains its name at this point, turning into a wide tidal river flowing eastwards into the Broads National Park.
The Yare continues its journey, passing through various villages, including Bramerton and Cantley, and merging with the River Chet at Reedham. From here, the Yare flows past the isolated marshland settlement of Berney Arms before entering the tidal lake of Breydon Water, where it is joined by the rivers Bure and Waveney. Finally, it reaches the North Sea at Gorleston.
Navigable to small coastal vessels from Norwich to the sea, the Yare has been an important transportation route since Roman times, supporting trade and commerce, and significantly contributing to the region's economic development.
The Yare is a key feature of the Broads National Park, with the Wherryman’s Way providing an interesting footpath through marshes, meadows, and riverside villages along its riverbanks.
