Fen BridgeThe beautiful StourDedham architectureThe Essex WayRailway crossing
There must be 20 stiles on this walkRoute down into Dedham ValeOld brick bridge near LawfordSluice gates on the Stour. Essex/Suffolk borderWooded area beyond the railcrossing
The lock at Flatford MillFlatford MillThe boatyardArrival at Flatford MillCircular route at FlatfordWildlife everywhere
The busy 137 to Brantham took us over the river. The swans, famous in the Mistley area of Manningtree, were overhead. The tide was coming in. Just past the houses on the B1070, the footpath leads down into Dedham Vale. This is flat, cattle country with slow moving, meandering rivers. The path wanders through farmland to Flatford Mill. Beyond
Dedham church
Flatford lies Dedham, a chance for a pot of tea.The Essex Way is at Dedham Heath which is one of a number of routes back to Lawford. We opted for the upper route which gives fine views of Dedham Vale. Added bonuses are the wood walk near Hill Farm and the stunning St Mary's church at Lawford. The downside is the wretched Cox's Hill (A137) back to the car

Stour Path and the Essex Way

Landranger 168. Approx 4 hours with stop for lunch.

Late September 2004, the weather was warm, overcast and unpredictable, but we packed the car and headed for Manningtree. The planned route was down loaded onto the GPS and we had the necessary OS map. In the rucksack was the coolbag with drinks and snacks. Other stuff included extra clothing, a first aid kit, capes, mobile phone and an all-in-one tool kit that folds up into a leather pouch. We carry that these days since Mirain had a blackthorn pass through the sole of her new boot and into her foot during a walk near Ulting on the Chelmer. Nasty moment. However, we used the car park near the sluice gates at Lawford on the Essex-Suffolk border. Not the best of places to leave your car. Perhaps an improved arrangement would be to park in the large, free car park at Dedham itself and begin the circuit from there.The walk embraces the famous Flatford Mill Centre and the beautiful village of Dedham. There are ample eating houses at the Dedham end of the walk.