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Colchester and the surrounding area has plenty of 
beautiful landscapes and parks for an afternoon stroll or a proper hike.
On this page, browse popular walking routes and download maps and guides. Whether you want a short stroll around the town centre, or something more adventurous, we can provide the walk to fit the bill.
In addition to the online resources a variety of walking routes and maps are available to pick up or buy at the Visitor Information Centre in Hollytrees Museum - you can also book a guided tour with a qualified guide who can lead you on a short or medium length walk.
With scenic coastal paths, quiet country lanes and woodland trails for all standards of rider, exploring Colchester and its surrounding area by bike can be as adventurous as you like.
There are multiple National Cycle Network Routes running through Colchester, connecting the town with places such as London, Harwich, and even the Netherlands through National Route 51, part of the North Sea Cycle Network.
Spanning from the Community Stadium in the North, through local residential areas and the picturesque High Woods Country Park, the route splits in two as it nears the town centre, heading either towards the mainline railway station or into the heart of town via the Victorian Castle Park.
Splitting off from the High Woods Route at Severalls Business Park, the Ipswich Road Route takes a more direct path to the town centre alongside a busy main road.
A mazy route, running throughout the Greenstead Housing Estate and joining up with National Cycle Route 51 as it runs from the Town Centre onto Wivenhoe.
Skirting the edge of Greenstead housing estate, this route runs from local nature reserve, Salary Brook, through to the University and Wivenhoe Park.
Spanning from close to the large Tollgate retail park in the west of Colchester towards the Town Centre via Lexden Recreation ground
Connecting the Garrison Route in the south to the Lexden route in the west
Joining the South of Colchester to the town centre, and alongside the Boadicea route serving the army barracks in the town, as well as running past the large Abbey Field recreation ground.
Head to The Outdoor Hire Centre or Cycle Colchester to see ideas for local bike rides.
A long distance cycle route connecting Dover and the Shetland Islands - via the east coast of England and Scotland.
When complete will connect Tower Bridge in London with Fakenham in Norfolk
National Route 51 passes through Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Essex. The section between Harwich and Colchester forms part of the North Sea Cycle Route, also known as EuroVelo 12.
The North Sea Cycle Route, and longest cycle route in the world passes through Colchester as it head out to Harwich and on to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium.
Number of results: 36
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Colchester
The Ancient Colchester App developed by Colchester & Ipswich Museums allows you to wander around Colchester Town Centre on a Heritage Trail and bring historic sites to life.
The Ancient Colchester is available to Download on iOS and Android.
Colchester
The jewel in Colchester’s crown - an award-winning oasis of horticultural splendour boasting a children’s play area, putting green and boating lake.
Colchester
The Colchester Orbital is a 15 mile picturesque walk and cycle route, which follows existing public rights of way, taking advantage of and connecting some of the loveliest green spaces, cycle paths and off-road pathway networks. As the name…
Colchester
Discover a series of concrete murals around Colchester Town Centre depicting its history and famous characters from it's past.
Tiptree
Tiptree Heath boasts magnificent heathers, ponds, trails and open space to enjoy.
Colchester
One of the best things about Colchester is that there's so much to explore that's completely free. Download a Family Heritage Treasure Trail, follow the map, and discover some of the town's historical highlights. With the choice of two routes; a…
Colchester
Welcome to the Castle Park and to a trail that leads you past some of our more interesting and notable trees. Trees, those large woody plants that we sometimes take for granted. We benefit from their welcome shade on a hot summer’s day, or stroll…
Colchester
Colchester's 2000 year old Roman Walls have plenty of stories to tell. Walk the perimeter of the walls with this guide to the original Roman gates, as well as the later Medieval additions.
Abberton
Conservation centre run by the Essex Wildlife Trust, at a site of international importance for winter wildfowl. Nesting cormorants, common terns and nightingales. Nature trails for all the family and bird hides. Shop selling gifts, optics and…
The Stour Valley Path is a 60 mile walk following the River Stour through Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.
East Mersea
Cudmore Grove offers visitors a trip to the seaside with a difference at the eastern tip of Mersea Island. The park includes a sandy beach and open grassland, perfect for picnics and great views.
Highwoods, Colchester
370 acres of woodland, grassland and wetland with path network, including circular walks and easy access trail. Visitor centre and interactive displays, rangers organise a range of activities throughout the year.
Fingringhoe
Nature reserve over 200 acres of mixed habitat on the Colne Estuary. Nature trails, wheelchair access, bird hides, gift shop and visitor centre with tea room. Friendly atmosphere. Regular events for adults and children.
Colchester
This excellent self-guided walking tour of the Town Centre's key historical sites is available to purchase for £2.50 from the Visitor Information Centre. Take a leisurely stroll with it in hand and you could easilly eat up a whole afternoon. A…
Fixing the Link is an innovative artwork installation and wayfinding project to enhance the walk from Colchester North station to Colchester town centre.
The Essex Way is an 81 mile walk from Epping to Harwich, which will lead you through ancient woodlands, open farmland,tree-lined river valleys and leafy green lanes, visiting historic towns and villages along the way.
Mersea Island is the perfect place for walking, whether you would like a short stroll of "The Old City" or a longer walk along the "Strood Channel", there are plenty of beautiful views and an abundance of wildlife to see along the way.
Colchester
A riverside walking trail from Colchester's town centre to the historic port.
Colchester
Discover the wildlife and history of the Bourne Valley with this downloadable audio tour. Starting just outside the gate to Bourne Mill on your travels you’ll be greeted by the Miller’s daughter, a medieval botanist, and Brother Jerome from St…
Colchester
Three walking trails of Castle park - each aimed at a different age group
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