Stour Valley Nature Reserve.

A friend mentioned she walked here the other day.

Wanting to stay away from the Sunday beach-goers, as today promised beautiful weather, I thought we'd head to the river. Our first visit to this spot (30mns away by local bus, and a walk through a housing estate, and you unexpectedly find yourself out in the countryside).

We strolled for a couple of hours, chatting to a friendly woman walking a white horse, and another who moved here from Truro in Cornwall. They both gave us some helpful directions.

At the end of the walk we came across this pretty river 'beach' where dogs and children paddled happily.

Then we headed home, and had a walk along the beachfront.

Lucky to have this all on the doorstep.