3rd August 2008: Dedham & Flatford Mill

Meeting early in the morning,  our group of 17 walkers, set off by car to Dedham.  Fortunately, there were no hold-ups en-route and we made good time, parking near the Boathouse Restaurant, Dedham, where we would be returning after our walk, for lunch. 

John set off leading the group along the High Street, passing through the pretty village, then turning off down a track, through a passage of trees, towards the open fields. We saw a Peacock Butterfly, which there seems to be a shortage of this year.  Young Bullocks and Cows grazed in the meadows. Damsel fly and other insects hovered over the river. The weather was warm, overcast with occasional sun, followed by a heavy downpour!

Arriving at Flatford Mill, we spent time exploring the area, before meeting back at the bridge over the River Stour, for our compulsory group photograph.  The area is renowned for it’s famous landscape artist, John Constable and his paintings of the Hay Wain and Flatford Mill, to mention a few.  Willy Lott’s cottage is still a sight worth seeing. Nearby, the National Trust had a very useful information board.

Walking back by the river, we passed several people who had hired rowing boats and were enjoying, “ messing about on the river”!   Crossing Fen Bridge, we had a rebel “break-away” group and lost 7 members of our party, but only for a short time.  David kindly ran after them and brought them back in line!  (We try and return with the same number we set out with, although this can be quite challenging at times). 

Arriving back in Dedham, just before the heavens opened, we managed to reach the Boathouse Restaurant without getting too wet, where we all enjoyed a very nice lunch in lovely surroundings.  Thanks go to the “Two Johns”, and Val.