Dedham Vale AONB & Stour Valley Project
CAVENDISH PARK cut

One of the best ways to see the Stour Valley is either by walking or cycling.

Walking

There are two regional long distance footpaths in the Stour valley, as well as numerous self-guided trails of varying distances:

The Essex Way

The Essex Way is a long distance footpath stretching across Essex from Epping in the south-west to the Port of Harwich in the north-east. Launched in 1972, it follows footpaths and ancient green lanes for a total of 81 miles.

Click on this link to order a path guide.

Stour Valley Path

The Stour Valley Path, A 60 mile route follows the valley sides of the river Stour through the beautiful Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire countryside, including the Dedham Vale (AONB). A public transport guide is also available to allow walkers to do the path in stretches and take a bus or train back to a start point. The pack (priced £3.50) is available from either the Project Team or from Tourist Information Centres.

Dedham Vale and Stour Valley Project have also produced a range of free circular walks leaflets. These can be downloaded from the publications section.

Cycling

The lanes and byways in the Stour valley are ideal for cyclists. The project has produced a new 69-mile cycle route which connects the areas and countryside made famous by artists such as Constable, Gainsborough and Munnings. The pack (priced £3.50) is available from local Tourist Information Centres at Flatford, Hadleigh and Sudbury). The pack includes a detailed map of the route, points of interest, accommodation and refreshment opportunities in the picturesque villages along the route