[1] The Bure rises near Melton Constable, 11 miles (18 km) upstream of Aylsham, which was the original head of navigation.

After Aylsham Lock and Burgh Bridge, the Bure passes through Buxton Lammas, Coltishall, Belaugh, Wroxham, Horning, past St. Benet's Abbey, through Oby, Acle, Stokesby, along the northern border of the Halvergate Marshes, through Runham and Great Yarmouth where it meets Breydon Water and flows into the sea at Gorleston.

An Act of Parliament was obtained on 7 April 1773, authorising improvements from Coltishall to Aylsham, which John Adey estimated would cost £6,000.

Progress after that was slow, for in October 1777 Smith announced that he had spent £3,600 so far, but estimated that a further £2,951 would be required to complete the work.

John Green of Wroxham was appointed as joint engineer in March 1779, and the new waterway finally opened in October 1779.

Small wherries, capable of carrying 13 tons, were used for the carriage of flour, agricultural produce, coal and timber.