Tendring CAMRA - RambAle 22 - Manningtree Station to Stratford St Mary
The route
Walking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended.
The route itself is fairly level, generally following the rivers through Dedham Vale.
As you exit Manningtree Station take the ramp to the right down towards the large car park area, then at the foot of the ramp cross to your left to join the footpath, turning right and following the signs towards Dedham. At some point before the path forks towards Dedham or Flatford Mill, though you won't notice, you'll cross the border between Tendring and Colchester. As you get nearer to Dedham there is a choice for the last bit where there is a signpost by a gate in the hedge on the left. This page takes the route through that gate which is slightly shorter, but it is a matter of metres shorter, not miles.
When you reach the road in Dedham (via whichever of the two routes) turn right and follow the pavement around until you reach The Marlborough - you'll need to turn right into Mill Lane for the entrance.
After leaving The Marlborough, turn right to continue down Mill Lane. You will pass the car park on your right, and Dedham Mill on your left (which appears to have been converted to flats). Take the next footpath on your left after this which will take you past Dedham Mill and across Dedham Lock (and, though you won't see it, the Essex/Suffolk border) before joining a footpath where you turn left. Keep following this path with the river to your left until you pass under the A12 and reach Lower Street where you turn right. Follow Lower Street until you reach the Swan.
When you leave The Swan, turn right. While you could just follow the road around to The Anchor, instead turn straight right after the pub to take a footpath. When this reaches another footpath, turn left and you'll come back out on Upper Street opposite Tallyho Corner. Turn right to get to The Anchor.
After leaving The Anchor the bus stop for the journey to Colchester Station is the one on the opposite side of the road.
Estimated timings
As usual timings are based on 4km/hour walking with half an hour stop at each pub.
Aim to set off at about 11:20 from Mainline Coffee, as the distance to The Marlborough is just over 4km so will take just over an hour, giving an estimated time of arrival of 12:30
Leave The Marlborough at 13:00 for just under 3km to The Swan, so there before 13:45.
Leave The Swan at 14:15 and get to the Anchor before 14:30.
The 93 leaves from opposite The Anchor (currently) at 14:30, 15:56, 17:35 and 18:40 taking about 25 minutes to Colchester Station (plus a few minutes walk from the bus stop).
These times either mean you probably want to get ahead of schedule so you have time to catch the 14:30, or take your time and catch the 15:56
Side note from Ed: I don't generally allow time for eating at any of the pubs on route, as most people don't feel much like walking straight after eating meals such as those available in pubs, and generally bring sandwiches or snacks with them, or survive until evening on beer calories after a hearty breakfast. Sandwiches are available from Mainline Coffee and the shop across Mill Street from The Marlborough, with the Marlborough sometimes having sausage rolls/scotch egg options (and similar) available as a lighter option than a full meal. The Swan probably does too, but on my test walks I'd generally eaten before I got there.
Approximate distances:
- Manningtree Station to The Marlborough, Dedham: 4.5km / 2.8mi
- The Marlborough, Dedham to The Swan, Stratford St Mary: 2.7km / 1.7mi
- The Swan, Stratford St Mary to The Anchor, Stratford St Mary: 0.6km / 0.4mi
- Totals: 7.8km / 4.8mi
Getting to Manningtree
The Greater Anglia Website says: "On Greater Anglia services, break of journey is allowed on Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak Day tickets", so it is suggested that those travelling from the Clacton area get a return ticket to Manningtree, and those travelling from the Harwich area get a return ticket to Colchester (aka North) Station.
From Clacton, take the 10:05 train and change at Colchester, arriving at Manningtree at 10:55. Based on tests it is better to be at the front of each train to be nearer the subways to get to the other platforms (one for the next train, the other for Mainline Coffee that used to be called Manningtree Station Buffet).
From Harwich, take the 10:26 train from Harwich Town, arriving at Manningtree at 10:48.
Getting back from Stratford St Mary
The plan is to take the 93 bus from Stratford St Mary to Colchester Station to pick up the train for the rest of the journey home. Get off the bus at Bruff Close or Colchester Railway Station Layby and walk the short distance to the station (Bruff Close might be slightly the better option).
Ipswich Buses's timetable for the 93 is currently available here
As mentioned above, the 93 leaves from opposite The Anchor at 14:30, 15:56, 17:35 and 18:40 taking about 25 minutes to Colchester Station (plus a few minutes walk from the bus stop). Once at the station, take the next suitable train...
Route documents
To follow