We are the Chelmer & Blackwater Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Meet just outside the rail station in Sudbury - option to use public transport travelling on The Gainsborough Line from Marks Tey - or park in Friars Meadow car park.
This is a circular walk from Sudbury exploring the unspoilt, rolling and remote countryside of the Stour Valley. The walk crosses the water meadows in Sudbury, then follows Belchamp Brook, a tributary of the Stour, to Belchamp Walter. St Mary's Church at Belchamp Walter has fine red-ochre 14th Century wall paintings and opposite is the attractive Belchamp Hall (featured as Felsham Hall in the TV series Lovejoy). Picnic lunch at Belchamp Walter.
If a leader is available the walk can be shortened to 8.5 miles by returning direct to Sudbury from Bulmer.
The walk continues through Bulmer to Bulmer Tye where there is a pub for a welcome mid afternoon drink. After Little Henny the shady and undulating Ryes Lane joins The Stour Valley Path before returning to the start along a a former railway line.
Tea and cake available at Waitrose cafe at the finish.
MEET: just outside the rail station in Sudbury 🚉- option to use the scenic Gainsborough Line (passing over the Chappel Viaduct) For example, from Chelmsford it will be the 9.34 am train, changing at Marks Tey and arriving at Sudbury at 10.21 am. 🚗or park in Friars Meadow Car Park (charges apply).
