For some reason we always end up in Suffolk in wintertime.

On a cold day we visited the Stour Valley.

Here the River Stour weaves and wends its way through quintessential English countryside of farms and woodlands.

Lying in the Dedham Vale AONB, and straddling the border between Essex and Suffolk, this area has affectionately become known as ‘Constable Country’.

One of England’s greatest landscape painters, John Constable, was born and grew up here.

Throughout his life he returned regularly to this part of Suffolk to paint some of his most famous works of art.


The Hay Wain | Copyright The National Gallery
Walking

Of all the paintings by John Constable, perhaps the most famous is The Hay Wain.

It depicts a horse and cart crossing the River Stour, a white cottage visible on the left bank.

The place in the painting is Flatford, so we headed to this pretty village to walk in Constable’s footsteps.

A moderate 4-mile circular takes in the highlights such as Flatford Mill and Willy Lott’s House, the site of The Hay Wain painting.

You can easily extend the walk towards Stratford St Mary or take in the charming village of East Bergholt.

Be aware that the route along the river can be very muddy in places and flooded after heavy rain.



Dedham Vale AONB & the Stour Valley

The Dedham Vale AONB covers an area of 90km2 on the Suffolk-Essex border.

It is one of the smallest AONBs and stretches upstream from Manningtree to within one mile of Bures.

Here you will find picturesque villages, rolling farmland, rivers, meadows, ancient woodlands and a wide variety of local wildlife.

All of this combined create what many describe as the traditional English lowland landscape.

You can explore this stunning landscape on foot via one of the many Dedham Vale walks, following the valley through quaint villages such as Flatford, Dedham, Stratford St Mary and Stoke-by-Nayland.


Images by Cool Places Britain
Stour Valley Path

You can enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the Stour Valley countryside by following a sixty mile route, the Stour Valley Path.

The Path starts at Newmarket, near the source of the River Stour.

It follows the river through the Dedham Vale, towards Cattawade where the river joins the estuary.

We particularly liked section 9 from Stoke-by-Nyland to Stratford St Mary. Both villages are incredibly attractive.



Cool Places to Explore: Lavenham | Melford Hall | Sutton Hoo | Aldeburgh | Orford Ness | Orford Castle.

Cool Places to Stay: Blacksmith’s Cottage.