Stour Valley Path Walking Holidays

Through Constable Country and the Heart of the Dedham Vale

The Stour Valley Path follows the River Stour for around 60 miles (97 km) from Newmarket to Cattawade, tracing the Suffolk and Essex border through one of England’s most cherished rural landscapes — the Dedham Vale National Landscape, also known as Constable Country.

It’s a gentle, meandering trail that captures the timeless beauty of East Anglia: water meadows, mills, and church towers rising above willow-lined rivers and grazing fields. From the artist’s hamlet of Flatford to the historic market towns of Sudbury, Clare, and Long Melford, every step feels connected to centuries of English countryside life.

The route can be walked in sections or as a full multi-day journey, with good rail connections and accommodation options throughout.

Trail Overview

Type: Regional Long-Distance Trail
Distance: 60 miles / 97 km
Start/End: Newmarket – Cattawade (near Manningtree)
Time Required: 4–6 days
Terrain: Gently undulating farmland, riverside paths, and quiet lanes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate — well-waymarked and mostly level
Accessibility: Excellent rail access at Newmarket, Sudbury, Bures, and Manningtree — ideal for car-free walking

Explore the Route

Newmarket to Clare
Begin in Suffolk’s horse-racing capital and cross quiet farmland and river valleys to the historic wool town of Clare.

Clare to Long Melford
Follow riverside paths through open countryside and parkland, with views of churches and grand country houses.

Long Melford to Sudbury
Walk past meadows and mills immortalised by Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable — a peaceful, artistic landscape.

Sudbury to Stoke-by-Nayland
Continue through the Dedham Vale National Landscape, with riverside stretches and scenic detours via Nayland and Polstead.

Stoke-by-Nayland to Cattawade
Finish near Flatford and Dedham, where Constable painted The Hay Wain — one of England’s most iconic countryside scenes.

Stay and Explore

Towns & Villages: Sudbury, Long Melford, Nayland, Stoke-by-Nayland, Dedham, Flatford, Manningtree
Accommodation: Country inns, B&Bs, and boutique stays including The Crown Inn (Stoke-by-Nayland) and The Sun Inn (Dedham)
Food & Drink: Riverside pubs, farm cafés, and traditional Suffolk inns
Culture & Heritage: Constable’s landscapes, water mills, medieval churches, and local museums

Adventure Highlights

Walk through the Dedham Vale National Landscape — Constable Country at its finest
Riverside paths from Sudbury to Flatford, ideal for wildlife and photography
Connects with the St Edmund Way and South Suffolk Cycle Route
Excellent rail access for section walking and short breaks
Ideal for self-guided walking holidays in Suffolk and Essex

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Stour Valley Path start and end?

It runs from Newmarket to Cattawade, near Manningtree, following the River Stour through Suffolk and Essex.

How long does it take to walk?

Around 4–6 days for the full route, or shorter sections for day walks and weekend breaks.

Is the trail suitable for beginners?

Yes — it’s mostly level with gentle gradients and well-marked paths, suitable for most walkers.

What’s the best section to walk?

The stretch between Sudbury and Flatford through Dedham Vale is the most scenic and historically rich.

Can it be done without a car?

Absolutely. Manningtree, Sudbury, and Newmarket all have train stations with local links, making this a great option for car-free walking holidays.

Walking Holidays and Outdoor Adventures on the Stour Valley Path