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This is a walk in the heart of Constable Country from East Bergholt to Flatford and back, an area where the artist lived and painted in the 18th and 19th centuries. On the route there is much to see, including places not usually visited by the many summer visitors that flock to this picturesque part of the county. Set off to the right from the Red Lion pub and turn right at the Post Office into Cemetery Lane. A plaque on the cream building on the left marks John Constable's studio of 1802. Continue along the lane, through a gate and down the left side of a meadow, to a stile and footbridge at the bottom. Cross the lane and up the field ahead, at the top of the rise there are splendid views across the River Stour valley of the churches at Dedham (left) and Stratford (ahead). At the path junction at Dead Lane turn left at a sign marked to Dedham Road, down an enclosed path to the end of Donkey Lane, and then left along the valley floor to Fishpond Wood. The path goes right then left, between a fence and the edge of the wood, to a stile. Follow the fence and hedge in the pasture, first on the right and then on the left, to another stile and a field edge path. Over two more stiles to Fen Lane and the first opportunity for a short cut up to the left. Turn right along the lane, bearing right over a wide cart bridge and then across Fen Bridge. A sign announces that Flatford is along the bank to the left. The wide open pasture of the flood plain provides easy walking, there are swans, geese, coots, moorhens and many other birds to identify on the way. The river opened to navigation in 1708 after thirteen locks and a basin and warehouses at the terminus in Sudbury were constructed. Barges built in the dry dock at Flatford were pulled by horses between the Cattawade Barrage and Sudbury. Below the barrage the barges were floated on the tide down to Mistley. Barge traffic continued until 1928 when the last barge is recorded up to Dedham Mill. At Flatford, cross the bridge by the thatched 16th century Bridge Cottage, now owned by the National Trust and containing an exhibition of Constable's life and times. For a short cut follow the lane up to the left, otherwise turn right along the road towards Flatford Mill. Walk past the old dry dock on the right and on past the Granary Barn Museum. Flatford Mill is now used as a field study centre, pass through the gate along the drive to Willy Lotts Cottage where Constable painted The Haywain. Behind the cottage bear left on the track in the meadow, walking around the field, past the double gate at the first corner (another short cut). Look out for a left turn, marked with a footpath sign, leaving the National Trust trail that continues in the field. Walk down a dip through the trees to a stile and meadow on the other side of the hedge. Walk along the right edge of this field, past a pylon to reach a stile in the corner. Turn left along the left hedge through a series of gates and stiles to a double stile at the end of the section. The other side of these stiles is rather muddy where the cattle have been standing, continue along the left edge to a wooden cattle pen and a gate on the left leading to Dazeley's Lane. Follow the lane up hill to the Brantham Road and turn left on the roadside footway for about 50 metres. Turn left at the side of No. 1 Clarence Villas, on a narrow path between fence and hedge, to emerge out to a field. Cross straight over on the well defined path to the next section of path, between fence and hedge to a gate and stile at Orvis Lane. Cross the lane to a short section of grass leading out to a field edge path. Walk on to a stile in the corner to enter a meadow. Follow the left fence to a gateway in the corner and walk along the drive to Clapper Farm. Follow the drive down to the road but note that the route of the public right of way crosses the small strip of fenced paddock on the right. Turn right up Flatford Lane taking care of the approaching traffic. Turn left at the cross roads at Burnt Oak along the main street, passing The Haywain tea shop and the Kings Head pub. Follow the roadside footway down hill and up to the churchyard, enter via the rear gate and bear right to the bell cage. The church of St. Mary's has an unfinished tower, probably as a result of the decline in the wool trade in the 16th century. The bells intended for the tower are housed in the 400 year old bell cage, providing a spectacle for the many visitors when the campanologists are at work ringing the bells by hand. Continue through the churchyard to the road and turn right on the roadside footway to return to the Red Lion pub and the start of the walk. Fact FileLocation: East Bergholt is 9 miles south west of Ipswich and 11 miles north east of ColchesterStart: East Bergholt Red Lion, Ordnance Survey map reference TM 069347 Length: 5 miles (several short cuts) Conditions: Road, track and field paths, muddy when wet - walking boots recommended. 15 stiles, cattle may be found in some fields How to get there: - Public Transport: Check details with Suffolk County Council's Public Transport Information TraveLine - telephone 08459 583358 Road Route: From A12 or A137 on B1070 road to East Bergholt village centre and Red Lion pub Parking: Free public car park at the Red Lion pub Refreshments: Red Lion, Kings Head and other village pubs, The Haywain (East Bergholt) and Bridge Cottage (Flatford) Tea Rooms and PO Stores Public Toilets: Red Lion car park and Flatford Visitor Information Centre Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheet 196 Sudbury, Hadleigh & Dedham Vale Information: Flatford Visitor Information Centre April to September tel. 01206 299460 Walking on the web: http://www.anderton.btinternet.co.uk
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