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Walks of art

British art is moving outdoors. Countless exhibitions have been created around towns and across the countryside. Some taking in sculpture inspired by – and framing – the scenery. From Banksy’s notorious urban graffiti to the famous pastoral scenes of Constable’s oil paintings, Julia Buckley uncovers the best of Britain’s art walks…

Constable_DeadhamVale

Essex Constable Country
Where: Dedham Vale, Colchester, Essex
Distance: 11½km/7 miles
Start/End: Manningtree station (TM093322)

Overview: This circular walk along the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty follows in the footsteps of the great landscape artist John Constable, born in nearby East Bergholt. Anyone familiar with his paintings will instantly recognize the lowland country villages, rolling farmland, rivers, meadows and ancient woodlands that feature so prominently in his work. Highlights include Bridge Cottage, which houses an exhibition of the artist’s life and works, and the ‘chocolate box’ village of Flatford, which inspired some of Constable’s most famous paintings including The Mill Stream and The White Horse. Next to Flatford Mill is a familiar scene from perhaps Constable’s best-loved work, The Hay Wain.

routemaster
See walk‘s Routemaster section for your free guide to this walk.

Antony Gormley’s Another Place
Where: Crosby, Merseyside
Distance: 3km/2 miles
Start: Waterloo rail station (SJ320980)
End: Sefton coast car park (SD298006)

Overview: A straightforward route along the two-mile Crosby foreshore, peppered with 100 sculptures by Angel of the North artist Antony Gormley. Whether you arrive amid the bustle of families frolicking on the sands on a summer’s day or during the desolate depths of winter, standing among the congregation of 189cm-tall cast-iron figures of men gazing eerily out to sea is bound to make you feel a little contemplative. Cut the walk short at the end of the beach, or continue on through the sand hills, past a 4,000-year-old submerged forest, to the Alt estuary.

FURTHER INFO: www.visitsouthport.com/sefton

355px-Banksy-psBristol Street Art
Where: Central Bristol, Clifton area
Distance: 10km/6 miles
Start/End: Clifton suspension bridge (ST565732)

Overview: A trail passing Bristol’s iconic street art and featuring work by renowned names, including the UK’s most famous graffiti artist – the mysterious Banksy. Works change on a weekly basis as murals are washed away or painted over and new creations appear. Many are thought-provoking, others highly amusing. More permanent highlights include the Banksy murals of a small boy behind an armed policeman and an astronaut. Sunday is the best day to see the artists in action. Or, if you fancy trying your hand at street art, bring along an aerosol and express yourself on the practice wall set aside for the purpose on Ashley Road.

FURTHER INFO: www.bristolgraffitimap.com or bristolgraffiti.wordpress.com

routemaster
See walk‘s Routemaster section for your free guide to this walk.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Where: West Bretton, West Yorkshire
Distance: Various
Start/End: Park Entrance (SE282130)

Overview: You might feel a bit like Alice in Wonderland while happening upon the many enchanting sculptures placed throughout this 200ha/500-acre, 18th-century park, not least because of statues shaped like giant hares. Among the sculptures by established artists such as Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Antony Gormley, are more playful pieces: a huge head lies in the grass; benches play eerie tunes when you sit on them; and a bridge built over the remains of a ha-ha (ditch) declares “HA HA” along its side. There’s no defined trail through it all, but plenty of paths to explore, so you’re free to either plan your route using a map of the park or just amble as the mood takes you.

FURTHER INFO: ✆ 01924 832631, www.ysp.co.uk

Picture 1Striding Arches
Where: Cairnhead Forest, Dumfries & Galloway
Distance: 16km/10 miles
Start/End: Byre (NX696974)

Overview: Three stone arches, each spanning about seven metres, stand atop three hills around Cairnhead. A fourth arch springs from an old farm building in the heart of the glen, providing shelter and a meeting point for visitors. Created from local red sandstone, the structures create both a focal point and a frame for the landscape. The artist, Andy Goldsworthy, has placed similar arches in Canada, the US and New Zealand to symbolise the emigration of Scots. Until a trail between the arches is constructed, you’ll need to plot your own route using a map (Explorer OS 328), but navigation shouldn’t be difficult, as each hilltop arch is visible from the other two. Be prepared for strenuous walking across moorland.

FURTHER INFO: www.stridingarches.com

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