Station Walks – Manningtree to Flatford Walk in Constable’s Footsteps… visiteastofengland.com Directions... Exit Manningtree station, turn Continue along this main track Continue until reaching the Meander along the path until The path follows the riverside to right down the car park ramp before turning right river embankment, where reaching 56 Gates, an bring you out at Flatford. At this and at the bottom of the ramp, underneath the Railway Bridge. you turn left, and follow the Environment Agency Flood point, you can simply return to turn left onto a short grassy path along the river wall, Defence Barrier, historically Manningtree via the same route footpath. Immediately turn overlooking Cattawade used to separate the fresh water or there is the option to continue right onto the main track – Marshes. The view across of the River Stour from the main to the nearby village of Dedham. signposted to Flatford. the marshes gives perhaps estuary. At the National Trust Allow around 40 minutes for a the first sense of being in sign turn right and walk gentle stroll. the valley. alongside 56 Gates following the path to Flatford. The marshland, much of it owned by the RSPB, supports wintering Discover... waterbirds (a great spectacle of many hundreds of teal, wigeon, lapwing and black-tailed godwit), and breeding birds in the spring – it is the best site for breeding wetland birds (such as lapwing, redshank, shoveler and shelduck) in North Essex. There is no public access directly onto the marsh, but excellent views of all the wildlife can be obtained from the public footpath. Liz Cutting/RSPB Liz The charming hamlet of Flatford was the inspiration for some of Constable’s most famous works including “The Mill Stream”, “Boat-Building” and “The White Horse”. Next to Flatford Mill, home of The Field Studies Council Field Centre, is Willy Lott’s House and the site of one of Constable’s best known paintings – “The Hay Wain”. Following the riverside footpath past the lock and over the bridge, to the right is National Trust Bridge Cottage. Here you can discover more about the artist, John Constable, in a fascinating exhibition about his life and works, or why not relax with a well-earned cream tea by the river in the National Trust Tea Room next door to Bridge Cottage? Rowing boats can be hired at Flatford, or later on from Dedham. After exploring Flatford return Cross Fen Bridge and continue At Dedham Bridge, turn left Leave Dedham with the Art and Optional route from Fen Bridge to Flatford Bridge and turn right along the path for 100 metres, following the pavement, Craft Centre on your right and on to visit East Bergholt, the following the path alongside the before turning left along a passing Dedham Mill, into the sharp right hand bend, take the birthplace of John Constable. river until reaching . tree-lined footpath, which the centre of . footpath on your left signposted to Fen Bridge Dedham Cross Fen Bridge and continue opens out to the riverside Flatford. Follow this footpath until Why not take time to explore straight on, following the meadows and follows the meeting the river. Continue the many interesting and hedge-lined track uphill to East natural line of the river, until alongside the river, passing Fen individual shops Dedham Bergholt. At the end, turn left reaching Dedham Bridge. Bridge, until reaching Flatford has to offer, or take time to and follow Flatford Road to the Bridge. From here retrace original indulge in a gourmet lunch. Church. Return via same route. route back to Manningtree Station. Below: Whilst enjoying the riverside Why not explore Dedham Art & Craft The village of East Bergholt is the East Bergholt Church is well-known walk through the low-lying water Centre, a converted church now birthplace of John Constable and a for the absence of a tower or spire to meadows, take note of the Willow housing three floors of local arts and plaque indicating the site of his house its bells. In 1531 a temporary Pollards – an indicative feature of this crafts, as well as an enticing tearoom. birthplace can be found on the black bellcage was erected and still stands part of the River Stour. railings between the Church and the today. John Constable was baptised village shop. His studio can be found in the church, and his parents and Right: Upon reaching Dedham Bridge, on Cemetery Lane, near to the village Willy Lott are all buried here. why not take out a rowing boat for an shop and tearooms, again indicated afternoon’s relaxation on the River. by a plaque. Rowing boats can be hired from Dedham Boathouse, adjacent to Dedham Bridge. Left and above: The village of Dedham is mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086 and today is home to a thriving community and a host of individual shops to tempt every budget. St. Mary the Virgin Church is home to an original Constable – “The Ascension”, and the nearby Sir Alfred Munnings Art Museum is home to the largest collection of Munnings works. “ The sound of water escaping from Relax, unwind, get Mill dams …, willows, old rotten banks, Dedham Vale slimy posts and brickwork. I love such Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty away from the car things … as long as I do paint I shall and enjoy… never cease to paint such places.” John Constable Arriving by train in the heart of This short, easily navigable Constable Country, part of the route takes you deep into the stunning Dedham Vale Area of heart of Constable Country, via Outstanding Natural Beauty, is Flatford and for those wanting a both simple and carefree. The further taste, the walk can be characteristic lowland English continued into nearby Dedham landscape immortalised and and East Bergholt. These made world-famous by artists charming, quintessential English such as Constable and villages have changed little Gainsborough is still instantly since Constable’s time, but do recognisable today. now offer a tempting array of shops, places to visit and Whether you are a seasoned eateries to whet every appetite. rambler or a first-time walker Why not take a rowing boat out who simply likes the idea of for a lazy afternoon basking on spending an indulgent few the river… hours in the countryside, this area is steeped full of history, wildlife, culture and beauty. The Dedham Vale is one of 50 The unique landscape of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Stour Valley, with its vibrant Beauty in England, Northern community and rich agricultural Ireland and Wales. AONB’s are history, has inspired designated by Natural England generations of artists, writers and the Countryside Council and painters. As well as these for Wales, each one being strong cultural connections, designated for its special the valley has an abundance of qualities, including an area’s wildlife living in the mosaic of flora, fauna, historical and habitats along the river valley. cultural associations as well Visitors are drawn to the area as their scenic views. to appreciate and enjoy the The Dedham Vale and Stour beauty and tranquillity of the “ I associate my careless Valley embraces one of our countryside and explore its most cherished landscapes. rich historical associations. boyhood to all that lies Picturesque villages, rolling The best way to do this is by on the banks of the Stour. farmland, meadows, ancient foot, off the beaten track to These scenes made me woodlands and a wide variety discover the true natural of local wildlife combine to beauty of this stunning area. a painter.” create what many describe John Constable as the traditional English Lowland Landscape. EAST BERgHOLT Routes: Key: Manningtree to Flatford Visitor Information Dedham Loop tory Hill Site of Constable’s birthplace Rec Toilets White Hor se Ro East Bergholt Loop ad Parking Boat hire Wildlife spotting ne Church La e Man g nin id gt r re Public House b e n R e o F a d Viewpoint F latf ord Ro ad FEn BRiDgE Dedham BRiDgE M i l l Flatford BRiDgE L Tearooms and shop a n e Bridge Cottage Flatford Mill Willy Lott’s House Dedham Art and Craft Centre CATTAWADE MARSHES RSPB DEDHAM 56 Gates R M iver e ‡ an side re nin wal gt gtr k to M nnin ee R a oad Excellent viewpoint across Cattawade Marshes MANNINGTREE STATiOn Sir Alfred Munnings Museum This map is based on Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of HMSO © Crown copyright. Suffolk County Council Licence No. 100923395 2009 The route from Manningtree to Flatford and back is approximately 4 miles in total. The optional additional route on to the neighbouring village of Dedham adds a further 3 miles. The route is easily navigable, occupying predominantly flat grass and gravel paths, with occasional very moderate slopes. After particularly wet weather, parts of the route may be slightly muddy and care should, of course, always be taken on the riverside sections of the route. Win four first class tickets with National Express! Tell us what you think of this map and you could win four first class National Express East Anglia tickets valid until the end of 2009. Simply visit www.eet.org.uk/stationwalks and complete our short survey. To find out about frequent train times and great value fares visit www.nationalexpress.com Other routes are available. Check out www.visiteastofengland.com/walking for more routes Exclusive offer Upon production of a valid rail ticket to/from Manningtree, National Trust Bridge Cottage are offering “Two for One” on a guided walk around the sites of Constable’s paintings.