The contrasting views at this time of year are second to none – rolling fog lends pollarded willows a sense of mystery and you can really appreciate the open views across the Dedham Vale, with trees stripped bare so you can admire their wonderful structure, something Constable was well-known for painting. You may well recognise scenes from several of his most famous paintings, such as the Hay Wain, the dry dock depicted in Boat Building and some of his meadow landscapes.
Keep an eye out for otters along the river and the quick flash of kingfishers skimming the ditch lines. The Cattawade Marshes are a haven for wetland birds, and look out for resident barn owls, little owls, green woodpeckers and, of course, the ducks and swans.
For me, the Fenbridge area is a favourite spot where I can escape from the crowds and get lost in the beautiful, uninterrupted views across the open fields – solitary bliss.
If you fancy a bite to eat then The Boathouse in Dedham is a lovely pub overlooking the river. Alternatively, warm yourself up with a bowl of soup at the riverside tea-rooms next to Bridge Cottage (open weekends only in winter).
My top tip would be to bring a camera as there'll be countless photo opportunities. I once saw a grass snake being chased downstream by 15 mallards – wish I'd had my camera on me then!
• Find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk/walks
Route and directions
Start: Manningtree station. Map & grid ref: OS Landranger 168, Explorer 196, TM 093 322
1. Leave Manningtree station exit and descend the ramp to the right. The footpath starts from the end of the ramp in the car par. After leaving the car park, turn right along a track, then right again under a railway bridge. Follow path until you reach the river and turn left along a streamside path taking you through the Cattawade Marshes.
2. Walk behind Fifty Six Gates, an old flood defence barrier and follow the path on the bank to the hamlet of Flatford.
3. You can take a short detour to see Flatford Mill, Willy Lott's House (pictured) and the site of The Hay Wain painting.
Return to Manningtree by the same route or continue on to Dedham.
4. Leave Flatford by walking up Tunnel Lane from Bridge Cottage. Turn left at the top of the lane and after 100m take the footpath running parallel to the road.
5. Panoramic views over the vale can be seen from the top of the hill. Turn left into Fen Lane.
6. Shortly after crossing a bridge, turn right along a tree-lined footpath. Cross riverside meadows, until reaching a bridge at Dedham.
7. Leave the village on a footpath after the drive to Dedham Hall. Follow this to Flatford, bearing left at NT sign to Dedham Hall Farm.
8. The river leads back to Bridge Cottage across water meadows. A kissing gate marks the site of an old stile featured in The Leaping Horse.
Terrain and accessibility
Four miles (6.4km) return from Manningtree to Flatford. Optional loop to Dedham adds another three miles. Generally flat grass and gravel paths with some moderate slopes. Can be muddy after wet weather - take care when walking on riverside sections of the route.
Getting there and local facilities
Train: Regular service to Manningtree station – London Liverpool Street to Ipswich line
Buses: Services to Manningtree station and Dedham from Colchester and Ipswich
Cycling: The Painter's Trail cycle route passes through the Stour Valley to Manningtree station
Road: Car park at Manningtree station, Flatford and Dedham
WC at Manningtree Station, Flatford and Dedham villages. National Trust riverside tea-room and shop at Flatford, other shops and pubs at Dedham. Flatford Bridge Cottage exhibition on Constable.
