Stour Valley Path

Walking the Stour Valley Path

The Stour Valley Path is a 60-mile / 96 km long-distance trail running from Newmarket to Cattawade on the Suffolk-Essex border. The route crosses the countryside of East Anglia before increasingly following the valley of the River Stour through farmland, water meadows, historic settlements and the landscapes of Dedham Vale.

Beginning at Newmarket, the trail crosses open countryside through villages and farmland before reaching the upper Stour Valley. The landscape here is predominantly rural, with field paths, tracks and quiet lanes connecting settlements along the route.

As the trail continues east, it passes through places including Clare, Long Melford and Sudbury. This central section combines historic towns and villages with the water meadows, farmland and river landscapes of the Stour Valley.

Further downstream, the route enters the Dedham Vale National Landscape, passing through countryside associated with Constable Country and places including Nayland and Dedham. Here, riverside paths, meadows, mills and villages form some of the most distinctive landscapes along the trail.

The final section continues through the lower Stour Valley towards Manningtree and Cattawade, where the river becomes tidal as it approaches the Stour estuary. The terrain throughout the route is generally gentle, although its combination of field paths, riverside walking and a multi-day distance gives the trail a varied character from Newmarket to the Stour estuary.

Overview

Distance: 60 miles / 96 km
Typical duration: 4–6 walking days
Difficulty: Easy-going
Start: Newmarket
Finish: Cattawade
Terrain: Field paths, riverside paths, farmland tracks, grassy meadows, woodland and quiet lanes