August 2026 – Dedham & East Bergholt
Pigeons are amazing birds, and can find their way back home from thousands of miles away. In contrast, pheasants are bloody awful navigators as the August walk proved. Of the nine individuals slated for this jaunt only six made it to the start line in Dedham car park for 9 am, with the other three Pheasants somehow ending up in Colchester. Hence, the much anticipated return to Dedham to complete the top half of what has become known as the “burger” series started in chaos, with only the punctual Pheasants starting on time. The stray party had to perform enhanced navigation manoeuvres and a shortcut past the sewage works in order to reunite with the main group by Clapper Farm. This proved fortunate as the smaller group were also carrying a cake for elevenses.
As always, Dedham and the River Stour provided a sublime visual backdrop. This is Constable country, complete with mills, grand houses and the opportunity to stake a claim for photo of the year. Leaving Dedham with its paddle boarders and cows behind, along with the three missing Pheasants, it was uphill and straight into East Bergholt. Along the way, there was time for a men’s health chat on prostate care while taking a leisurely look round the village. Clappers Farm provided the rendezvous location for the three errant Pheasants to rejoin the group.
It was shortly after on Dazeley’s Lane that everyone stopped for cake. This month’s offering was provided by Pheasant Steve, who is rapidly staking a claim to becoming the resident chef. With home-farmed eggs and Bramley apples from his garden, plus a touch of cinnamon, a wonderful Apple and Cinnamon cake was produced. It somehow had managed to survive the walk in a rucksack and was neatly divided into nine equal portions, which were soon devoured by the Pheasants.
Rejoining the Stour Valley Path provided an opportunity to meander through open grassland along with a pylon especially for Mario. The next landmark on route was Flatford Mill, which allowed the travellers a short repose together with a quick look through the Constable exhibition, and a chance for coffee by the river.
Following refreshments, the walk continued along the river before heading towards Dedham Hall and into Dedham to finish the walk at the Sun Inn, the Pheasants having learned from their previous harrowing experience at the Marlborough. Post-walk discussions took place in the pub garden on comfortable seating, giving some Pheasants the chance to sample the local sausage rolls. A few Pheasants also took the chance for a cheeky ice cream on the way back to the cars.
