Dedham Vale and the Stour Valley
A leisurely walk (riverside) starting and finishing in Suffolk, England, about 6.40km (3.98 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 1:45h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
3m (9ft)
Descent
8m (26ft)
Max. Elevation
20m (65ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
11m (35ft)
Start
Dedham
End
Mistley
Distance
6.40km
(3.98mi)
(3.98mi)
Duration
~1:45h
Difficulty
Leisurely
Ordnance Survey Maps
This is a walk through Constable Country - the typical rural English countryside made famous by the paintings of John Constable. The walk heads past the scene of his most famous work, Flatford Mill on the River Stour. Starting from Dedham, it's easy riverside walking near the border of Suffolk and Essex to the town of Manningtree. An interesting extension of the walk takes you to Mistley, with the curious Mistley Towers. Regular buses to Dedham from Colchester, and trains back from Mistley.
Walk Functions
Share
Nearby Walks
Cymbeline Meadow
A leisurely, circular walk (city/town) starting in Essex, England, about 3.90km (2.42 mi) long, duration: ~1:00h.Bourne Bridge to Pinmill
A moderate, circular walk (riverside) starting in Suffolk, England, about 13.90km (8.64 mi) long, duration: ~4:00h.Mersea Island
A leisurely, linear walk (coast) starting in Essex, England, about 3.40km (2.11 mi) long, duration: ~1:00h.Walk Map
- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid TM057331
Catch the bus to the village of Dedham, the home of John Constable. This village is famous for its magnificent church, St Mary the Virgin. The footpath to the River Stour starts nearby in Brook Street.
OS Grid TM065334
The path then follows the lower reaches of the River Stour. The area is part of the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as is managed to protect its rich wildlife - more info on what to see at different times of year here: www.dedhamvalestourvalley.org
About 0.90 km (~0.56 miles) from 
OS Grid TM076331
This famous building is an 18th century watermill, now a Grade 1 listed building (whatever that means) and a Field Studies Centre. The building was made famous by Constable in one of his many paintings of the region.
About 1.08 km (~0.67 miles) from 
OS Grid TM100324
Follow the southern side of the river along to Manningtree. There are train and bus connections from here, but it's worth continuing on to Mistley, further along the estuary.
About 2.53 km (~1.57 miles) from 
MistleyOS Grid TM116318
Mistley is a funny little place. Its main claim to fame is being the home of Mathew Hopkins, the Witchfinder General! The quay is now closed to the public sadly, so instead aim for the Mistley Towers, two striking towers that were once part of a church. An interesting finish to an enjoyable day out.
About 1.72 km (~1.07 miles) from 
