Spring into Constable Country - Stour Valley River Circular
23 people attending
7 places left
NOTE - If the walk is fully subscribed, don’t be put off and please consider joining the waitlist as there’s a fair chance the capacity numbers will be increased and/or places become available.
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Get outdoors in the first week of the new Spring season and join me for this circular walk of approx 9.5 miles, straddling the attractive north Essex and south Suffolk Border. The walk promises to stretch the legs as much as the love of the countryside and offers plenty of photo opportunities.
The route takes in some of the best parts of the Stour Valley including the famous National Trust site Flatford Mill. It was here that John Constable composed numerous paintings in the early 1800's including the Haywain which an attempt to replicate is shown as the main event photo!
We'll begin in North Essex in the little town of Manningtree from where we will wander alongside the river and the Stour Estuary Nature Reserve. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a wide variety of birds can often be seen here for the twitchers amongst you.
We'll then head across river into Suffolk and on towards the aforementioned famous Flatford Mill before taking in more countryside and onwards back into Essex at the village of Dedham. This quaint village is on the river and will definitely challenge your perhaps preconceived ideas of Essex! It has pretty streets of picture postcard listed buildings, an interesting arts and crafts centre we can explore and a gorgeous beamed pub for that customary ODL pub stop.
We'll then head back along the south side of the river back towards Manningtree.
Dogs - Are dogs welcome? Yes - but please just bear in mind that we will pass through both farmland and roadside and there may be stiles to consider on route.
Newbies - I would like to warmly welcome any newbies looking perhaps to try this as their first Outdoor Lads event. You may find this link useful https://www.outdoorlads.com/my-first-event or if you have If you have any questions then feel free to message me.
Don't waste that space!
Early Spring always means lots of new and existing members excited to be getting back out more. Please only book if you know you can make it. If your plans change please free up the space for someone else
Image / photo credits: All leader's own images - with permission for OutdoorLads to use and reuse
Want to Get Out More?
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* Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
Please bring a snack, packed lunch and hydration for the event. There will be a customary ODL walk Pub stop en route, most likely in one of the fine drinking establishments in Dedham (food provision can't be guarenteed however, hence the packed lunch advice).