Constable Country Walk

Following in the steps of John Constable, this walk takes in Dedham Vale, an area of outstanding natural beauty on the Suffolk/Essex border that inspired many of his landscape paintings.

We'll cross the nearby Stour Estuary, and walk alongside the Cattawade Marshes RSPB nature reserve to the hamlet of Flatford. Owned by the National Trust, Flatford is home to Willy Lott's House, the site of Constable's most famous painting The Hay Wain, and the nearby Flatford Mill, which inspired several of Constable's other works.

After a brief stop in Flatford, we’ll follow the River Stour upstream, past Dedham Mill and locks, and then up the hill to St Mary's Church at Langham and across to nearby Gun Hill. From here there are scenic views across the vale, which inspired Constable to paint Dedham Vale. We'll stop somewhere suitable around here for lunch, and hopefully enjoy the view.

After lunch, we'll follow part of the Essex Way back to Manningtree. The return route will take us back along Dedham Vale, and through the village of Dedham. Then it's past Flatford Mill on the opposite side of the River Stour, through the grounds of Lawford Hall and ending back in Manningtree. At Manningtree, there's the option of having a drink (or two) in the Crown pub before returning home, or heading straight back to the station.

Details of all of Constable's paintings and some of the locations we will visit along the way are available at http://www.photographers-resource.co.uk/photography/comparative/List_Constable.htm

(Note: This walk will be co-led by Dave Brand)