Harrow and Wembley Outdoor Group - Stour Valley, Suffolk

Activities: Saturday walk 7.5 miles (4 hours) starting at Manningtree station - this classic walk is in the Stour Valley on the Essex-Suffolk Border, immortalised in the paintings of John Constable. An undulating route along the well-way marked Essex Way, mainly via tracks and field paths, brings you to Denham. The walk then continues by the winding River Stour through Denham Vale, the heart of Constable Country, passing the landmarks of Flatford Mill and Willy Lotts Cottage before returning to the start. Sunday walk (on route home 1 hr drive to Benfleet) at Benfleet Downs and Hadleigh Marsh (6.5 miles or shorter version 4.5 miles) (3 hours - 2 hours shorter walk) - from both the hilltop vantage points on the walk near Chapel Lane Car Park and Hadleigh Castle - there are splendid views across Canvey Island and the Thames estuary to the North Downs on the horizon. The views also extend along the river from Southend to Canary Wharf. After descending from the car park, the route keeps along the base of the wooded Benfleet downs and continues across marshes alongside Benfleet Creek before climbing back to the start. The shorter version omits the loop that takes the ruins of Hadleigh Castle

Accommodation: YHA Stour Valley Bunkhouse, Brantham Hall, Brantham, near Manningtree, Suffolk, CO11 1PT. The newly-constructed wooden building is based on an historic 1,000-acre, working farm, near Manningtree, and is fitted with a fine range of modern facilities. It's based on the estuary of the Stour, the valley in which John Constable was born and where many of his most famous works were created. Most of these are within easy walking distance or there's also some excellent opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, horse-riding or bird-watching virtually on the doorstep. YHA Stour Valley Bunkhouse is self-catering only but there are shops nearby or a village pub offering good food. Brantham Hall is a busy working farm and some areas of the farmyard may be closed to visitors for health and safety reasons. Children must be supervised at all times. Self-catering only. Currently all 20 beds reserved for HAWOG meaning exclusive use. Rooms: 2 x 2 beds, 1 x 4 beds, 2 x 6 beds with wash basin in every room. Bedding Provided (pillow cases and duvets). 3 washrooms with toilets and showers. Facilities: There is a well-equipped, self-catering kitchen/diner. The kitchen/diner seats 20 people. Kitchen includes; 2 kettles, 2 toasters, six ring hob, microwave. Large verandah and garden area with barbeque, tables and benches amongst the trees. Bike store and drying room. Village 1 mile, banks 3 miles

Refreshments: Saturday walk bring packed lunches. Pubs and café at Dedham and café at Bridge Cottage by Flatford Mill. Sunday walk bring packed lunches, tea room near Hadleigh Castle

Travel: Under 2 hours from Harrow. Car sharing to be organised the week before. Route to M25. Take M25 towardsM20/Dartford/M11/Potters Bar. At junction 28 of M25, take the A12/A1023 exit to Chelmsford/Romford/Brentwood. Continue along A12, Exit onto B1070. Turn left to stay on B1070. Turn left at E End Rd; Turn right at Park Rd, continue on Slough Rd, turn left at A137/Ipswich Rd, turn right at The Chase. Arrive in Manningtree. Look for signs for hostel. Train information: Manningtree (London - Ipswich and London - Harwich Port). Take A137 as above and follow footpath over river and turn right at Bridge Garage. Continue to the end of the road and cross car park. Take path signed to Fishing Lake, then follow signed bridleway beside railway

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