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Stoke-by-Nayland Walks & Route Maps

Stoke-by-Nayland walk, Essex
Stoke-by-Nayland · Photo: Paul Farmer

Set within the rolling landscape of the Dedham Vale near the Essex and Suffolk border, Stoke-by-Nayland is the starting point for these walks through classic Constable country.

This is the scenery that inspired John Constable, and as you follow the gently undulating fields and far-reaching views, it’s easy to see why.

The shorter of the walks explores the surrounding countryside with some mild ascents and a little backtracking, while the longer route creates a fuller loop to avoid retracing your steps.

There are a couple of brief roadside sections to take care on, but both routes offer a rewarding mix of rolling farmland, big skies and a welcoming village finish.

Download the Essex Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.

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Walk information

Stoke-by-Nayland Walk 1

Walk distance
4¼ miles
Time
2 hours
Route type
Circular

This first route is a glorious walk around the undulating countryside that you'll find in the Dedham Vale Area of Natural Beauty (close to the Suffolk/Essex border).

This is the region that inspired so many of John Constable's wonderful paintings and you can see why as you enjoy this walk.

There is a significant portion of backtracking on this shorter route, so if you want to avoid this, the second route is a longer version that takes you on a full loop instead of tracking back the way you came.

The area is also mildly undulating, so expect some gentle ascents on this walk.

Stoke-by-Nayland Walk 1 4.4 Ratings and reviews 5 ratings · 3 reviews

Based on 5 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.4

A very popular walk

Dog friendly4.2 / 5
Path condition3.4 / 5
Buggy friendly1.4 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.2 / 5
Toilet facilities1.4 / 5
Pub or café3.0 / 5
Route accuracy4.2 / 5
ClimbingGentle slopes
LivestockRarely any livestock
StilesNo stiles
Mud levelMay be muddy after wet weather

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Essex Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

The path has been rerouted in the first part of the loop. It is not that well marked now but does eventually rejoin the original route and is shorter. Walked with a dog- no livestock and off lead opportunities

Walker review

Very nice walk. Only one small pathway overgrown with nettles so be careful. Couple of slightly hilly parts . Started with a picnic in the park beautiful peaceful village. No toilets or pubs/ cafes on route . Two pubs when back...into village . We had a drink in The Crown sitting in the pretty courtyard.

Walker review

Beautiful countryside. One section was quite overgrown when we went in July but otherwise clear route, easy and generally really enjoyable.

Walk information

Stoke-by-Nayland Walk 2

Walk distance
6 miles
Time
3 hours
Route type
Circular

The second route from Stoke-by-Nayland is an extension of the first walk and it's the option to choose if you want to enjoy the wonderful Constable countryside, but want to avoid the backtracking from the first route.

There are some mild ascents on this route, and if that helps build an appetite, there is a great pub in the village to enjoy after your walk.

There are also a couple of short roadside walking sections on this route, so please be careful on these.

Stoke-by-Nayland Walk 2 4.4 Ratings and reviews 5 ratings · 3 reviews

Based on 5 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.4

A very popular walk

Dog friendly4.6 / 5
Path condition3.2 / 5
Buggy friendly2.4 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.2 / 5
Toilet facilities2.0 / 5
Pub or café2.8 / 5
Route accuracy5.0 / 5
ClimbingGentle slopes
LivestockSome livestock
StilesNo stiles
Mud levelDry underfoot

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Essex Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

Splendid walk, easy parking (in Stoke by Nayland on the street), The Crown is good for before and / or afterwards refreshement, small village shop opposite The Crown (if open) for snacks. Overall highly recommended.

Walker review

Really enjoyed this circular walk. Lovely valley, with a pretty riverside section. Easy parking (free) and The Crown is a splendid pub.

Walker review

Really lovely walk. Beautiful countryside.

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Essex Walks App

Follow the Stoke-by-Nayland walks with GPS guidance

It's like sat-nav, but for footpaths.

Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know you're on the right path.

The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.

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Essex Walks app showing the walker's live position on a route map

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Expanded route map for Stoke-by-Nayland Walk 1, a 4.25 mile circular walk in Essex