The Best Ways to Relax in...
While Gladwins Farm is notable for its beautiful holiday cottages and countryside setting, we know that a range of activities...
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November can be the easily forgotten cousin of October’s Halloween Hype and December’s Christmas cheer, but there is no reason that this season needs to fade into obscurity.
Mid-November is the most colourful time of year, with all the leaves turning. Why not immerse yourself in the colours of autumn with a nature walk? The surrounding countryside of Gladwins Farm, famously dubbed ‘Constable Country’ after the artist’s extensive studies of the area, is the perfect inspiration for the aspirational artist or the budding poet.
We’ll detail the best Autumn walks Gladwins Farm and its surrounding areas have to offer—there is something for everyone!
Not to be confused with the Stour Valley Walk (in Kent!), the route is divided into ten sections which follow the River Stour, in all its elegance and tranquil. For a guide of the area, follow this link. https://www.dedhamvalestourvalley.org/visiting/stour-valley-path/ These stunning areas of natural beauty are sure to be even more enchanting as the seasons change.
Our own walk is perfect for young families looking to meet autumn animals! Set within the boundaries of the farm, with colourful graphics to aid your search for our Woodland friends, you may even get to meet and feed our Pygmy goats.
This magnificent route follows part of the old Great Eastern railway, meandering past three old water mills. This page from the National Trust details the walk https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/melford-hall/trails/long-melford-to-sudbury-three-mills-walk, and at around two and a quarter hours, it is the perfect afternoon winter activity.
This leaflet from Visit Colchester details seven walks around West Mersea island of varying lengths. https://www.visitcolchester.com/dbimgs/Mersea%20Walks.pdf Our personal favourite is the ‘Esplanade Beach Walk, both for its unbeatable coastline views and the restaurants and hospitality venues at the end of the walk.
Not only does this walk follow the south bank of the stunning River Stour, it concludes at Flatford Mill, famous for its place in John Constable’s artwork of the same name. There is evidence that Constable was working on this painting in the autumn months, which certainly endorses its beauty at this time of year!
The best way to end a long walk is curled up in front of a log-burning stove, still surrounded by the colours of autumn. Gladwins Farm offers all of these luxury country comforts and more. Explore nature this autumn. Find out more about our cottages here https://www.gladwinsfarm.co.uk/cottages/.
