Last week I was stunned to find, right on our doorstep, a really beautiful chunk of English countryside. We had purchased a bike rack for the car and decided to venture out for a nice bike route away from town. One of our neighbours suggested Elmstead which sounded very appealing, and then another said why not go down Flatford Mill.

The weather was the best of the year, so far, and was so pleased we managed to get out as a family – rather than being cooped up in an office with the sunshine outside!

So we loaded up the car and off we went at the mercy of TomTom – which took us there without problems. The only problem was that although Flatford Mill is sited on the South Suffolk Cycle Route B had no facilities apparent for cyclists. It didn’t matter though, as we went on a charming trip through Flatford and East Bergholt with a well deserved pint at the Carriers Arms.

The countryside is classic English rolling hills with lush-green vegetation all around – Constable had perfect material with which to work.