Stour Valley & Dedham Vale

At the end of the last Ice Age, the glaciers deposited thick sheets of terminal moraine over South Suffolk. Since then rivers such as the Stour have cut wide valleys giving us the attractive Dedham Vale.

There are really only three ways to see the Vale in its natural glory:

• You could choose to walk from Flatford upstream towards Dedham or even Stratford St Mary if you are feeling really fit. Alternatively, you could choose to cross back onto the northern bank at the newly restored bridge about 1 mile upstream from Flatford and walk back along the road.
  
• An alternative would be to hire a boat and row upstream, you can then turn around when you feel tired and let the gentle current carry you back. A leisurely hour guaranteed.
• The river Stour has been a major navigation since 1705. More information can be found on the The River Stour Trust site. They operate an electric boat that makes regular trips during the summer.
• Finally for those who must hurry on, take time to pause as you drive out along the one way system and look to your left where you will glimpse enigmatic views such as the one below.

A view over Dedham Vale from the road. Can you make out the church tower at Dedham?

Compare this with Constable's painting. Do you think Constable placed his easel on this very spot? The answer is 'Certainly not!' Dedham Vale was painted from the top of Gun Hill and so is looking in exactly the opposite direction. If you look in the background of Constable's picture you will see the Stour leading down to Harwich

Constable's Dedham Vale