Flatford Mill

On Friday afternoon Hugh, Penny and I decided to take a drive out to Manningtree and do the walk from there to Flatford Mill.

The afternoon was very overcast, but warm and so we set off. The path was well marked, but extremely muddy and slippery! Penny was convinced that she was going to slip over, but fortunately she didn't! I was the only sensible one wearing walking boots, Hugh and Penny just had trainers on.

Hugh was pleased that we started at the station and there was lots of railway architecture for him to look at, including this cattle creep, which we also crept through!

Penny loves sheep, so was thrilled that we saw lots on the walk and that these ones were right by the gate and could be talked to. We also saw rabbits, swans, ducks and various other birds, which I am sorry to say I couldn't identify.

After walking for about an hour and a quarter we ended up at Flatford Mill, where the sun obliged us by coming out for a short while whilst I took some photos.

Bridge Cottage where there is an exhibition about John Constable.

Willy Lot's cottage - the view painted by Constable in the Haywain.

After a lovely piece of carrot cake and a glass of Coke we set off on our return journey. We decided to take an alternative route back to avoid the very thick, slippy mud, so Hugh found a local map and off we set. We traipsed for what seemed like miles along fields, which was actually the Stour Valley walk. Although it was a long way, it was flat and non slippy so infact, very enjoyable. We eventually ended up back at Manningtree Station about 2 hours after setting off from Flatford Mill, so it did take us a bit longer, but we had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.