In England's green and pleasant lands- Manningtree, Flatford and Dedham

This half-term, I was desperate for some country-air and yet somehow, it wasn't properly until the Saturday that I got my wish. When I suggested a walk, CBC said we should try to explore Constable country, suffolk/Essex borders and was somewhat surprised when I actually managed to find and download a walk- you can get it here at the National Trust website. I must just say now, it was the most glorious walk. It's around 7 miles from Manningtree railway station through to Flatford Mill then the loop round to Dedham.
The weather was glorious!
We began at Manningtree station, armed with sandwiches, maps and waterproofs... Across a footbridge, signs heralded the way to Flatford- Autumn was crowned in glory all around us- wonderful rusty colours tinging the last greens of summer.

The first part of the journey was cosied around with the train line where CBC had a clumsy moment (one of many!!!)

Immediately after a field of inquisitive cows, we found ourselves walking along the
Cattawade marshes: this is where the freshwater of the Stour meets the tidal estuary. An unusual focal point that attracted our interest was the way the low-lying Dedham Vale was originally protected from very high tides by a curious flood-defence barrier called the Fifty Six Gates, which was as it was named- we counted!

As the fresh green air continued, greeting other walkers cheerfully, we found ourselves spying a beautiful cottage through the trees on the other side of the river/canal. This was Flatford mill, made famous by John Constable, 19th century painter who painted all around the area.
Paintings such as ‘The Hay Wain’, ‘The Mill Stream’, ‘Boat-building near Flatford’ and ‘The White Horse’ and The Bridge Cottage were based here. How charming it sat, the water billowing downwards, ducks pedalling furiously around.

An old lock-system was an interesing site which attracted us, water pouring from a small hole

As we walked along, I found myself transfixed by this gorgeous, gorgeous view of such a picturesque 'cottage' across the river. How wonderful would it be to live here? You can hire rowing boats from here.

It's so pretty, here's another shot. And better still, it runs as a B&B so you could wake up to this each day! A small national trust centre and exhibition operates here and as well as the rowing boats, you can take an electric boat trip. More beautiful historical Essex/Suffolk buildings.

And then we came across the most exciting view of all- Willy Lott's cottage. This view is one of Constable's most famous paintings. This man Willy Lott is known world-wide purely because Constable painted his house!

After a cheeky piece of Victoria sponge and tea from the National Trust centre, we wended our way onwards.

The path meandered along with the river, most attractively, several industrious looking rowers passed us. The delights continued with this wonderful Wigwam-style tree- I'm thinking The Faraway tree. You?

The river path met the road by an attractive boathouse restaurant and we walked along the still-pretty main road to the delightful village of Dedham.

Charming and historic buildings were abundant here- I apologise for the overload of photos but I just found it all so attractive!

This lovely 16th century tree room is sponsored by Tiptree jam. Sadly we'd eaten too much to offer them our service!

The main square, aside from cars was a lovely centre point.

The church of St Mary the Virgin contains a Constable painting but sadly we didn't visit. My camera refused to take a good shot but this church is magnificent- it seems huge for a tiny village but it suited it.

We wandered along the main street. My eye was caught by this wonderful contemporary tweed jacket which I excitedly went into the lovely shop, Blue Lawn, to view, but it turned out to be Vivienne Westwood AKA outside my price range. It was a lovely shop though and there was a sale branch of it further down the street which contained great items at a reduced price- I was seriously tempted by a black full-length toscana sheepskin coat which was at a great price but resisted!

Every cottage was a pleasure to behold- bright, clean, cheerful, unique and interesting. Peach and blue goes nicely together- ya?

This sight outside the gift-shop for kids caught my eye! It's Super-giraffe and his trusty sidekick, Dino-in-boots!

This building seemed like Mr Bingley might pop out at any moment!

I love a good bit of green foliage to cover a house- it looks so mischevious!!!

More naughty foliage- I like the blue edging on this yellow beauty!

More pretty houses!

CBC and I loved this olive green house- I wonder who lives here?

On the return journey, supposedly to Flatford, we somehow got lost and went back along some extremely flat green fields which was a shame as I looked forward with alacrity to seeing that lovely cottage. One highlight of this unexpected diversion was this little fellow who wasn't as shy as many of his counterparts!

As we returned to the car, a little tired but delighted with the day, it remained just to sum up my rapture and enjoyment, the things I loved best from the walk in the words of that great painter, Constable himself:

"The sound of water escaping from
Mill dams... Willows, Old rotten Banks, slimy posts, & brickwork. I love
such things..."

John Constable’s description of the Dedham Vale, in a
letter to his close friend, John Fisher.

(place name reminders and quotes from the National Trust Constable country walk itinerary)

Have you walked the trails of great artists? Tell me about any lovely Autumn walks I should try!