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Exploring Dedham Vale National Landscape
Dedham Vale National Landscape extends across just over 90 km² of Suffolk and Essex, protecting the lower valley of the River Stour and the countryside surrounding it. Rolling farmland, riverside meadows, woodland, tributary valleys and historic villages combine to create one of the most distinctive lowland landscapes in the East of England.
The River Stour forms the central feature of the landscape, winding between Suffolk and Essex through water meadows, farmland and villages. The National Landscape extends from the countryside around Bures and Wormingford east towards Dedham, Flatford, Manningtree and Cattawade, where the river becomes tidal as it approaches the Stour Estuary.
Walking provides one of the best ways to explore Dedham Vale. Riverside paths, field paths and quiet lanes connect villages and landscapes on both sides of the Stour, while shorter circular routes make it possible to explore individual parts of the valley independently.
The Stour Valley Path passes through the National Landscape on its 60-mile / 96 km route from Newmarket to Cattawade. Within Dedham Vale, the trail follows the lower Stour Valley through countryside and settlements including Nayland and Dedham before reaching Cattawade near the head of the estuary.
St Edmund Way also crosses Dedham Vale at the beginning of its approximately 80-mile / 129 km route from Manningtree to Brandon. From Manningtree, the trail passes through the National Landscape around Flatford and Dedham before continuing through the Stour Valley towards Sudbury, Long Melford, Lavenham, Bury St Edmunds and eventually the Brecks.
The eastern part of Dedham Vale is closely associated with the landscape artist John Constable. The countryside around Dedham and Flatford provided the setting for some of his best-known paintings, and the combination of river, meadows, mills, farmland and villages remains an important part of the landscape's character today.
Overview
Landscape: River valley, water meadows, farmland, woodland and historic villages
Counties: Suffolk and Essex
Region: East of England
Country: England
Key Trail: Stour Valley Path
Also Connected: St Edmund Way
Best For: Riverside walking, historic villages, countryside, landscape heritage and long-distance trails
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