For the third year a group of around twenty supporters and walkers met in the beautiful village of Dedham for the three mile circular walk to Flatford Mill and the location of many of John Constable's most famous paintings.  After many weeks of very hot weather it was a relief to many that the temperature had cooled but the threatened rain had yet to materialise.

Every year the walk has differed slightly with different routes across the vale and along the river and sometimes even climbing some height above the vale to look across it to Dedham church.  It is quite amazing how little the countryside has changed and how easily you can imagine standing next to Constable as he sat painting the view.  This year rather than climb above the vale we walked through it, passing fields and cattle as we meandered with the river towards Flatford Mill. 

At one of the quieter points we stopped to look at some of Constable's painting and learn about his life.  It certainly helped to bring the paintings to life and better understand Constable and the many struggles he endured to become a painter.

From here it was a short walk to the Mill, the site of so many paintings, from the most famous of all; The Haywain, to the many paintings of Flatford locks and the boatbuilding yards.  Free time for a picnic or a visit to the tea room was followed by a gentle stroll along the river back to Dedham and another tea room!

It was a good day with many walkers completing their third Constable Country walk.  It was an opportunity to renew friendships and make new friends.  It was also a great encouragement to everyone, especially those for whom three miles really was a challenge.   It was good to know that through their effort and support they were helping people affected by leprosy. 

Next year we are looking forward to a new location for this annual walk as we move to Southwold to enjoy one of the Suffolk's beautiful coastal walks to Walberswick.  It will be good for everyone to meet up again and hopefully be joined by lots more supporters.  Details of the walk can be found on the 2011 events page.