.png){kind=icon}
Walking
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.
Cycling
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.
Local Cycle Paths in Colchester
High Woods Route
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.
Ipswich Road Route
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.
Greenstead Route
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.
Salary Brook Route
Skirting the edge of Greenstead housing estate, this route runs from local nature reserve, Salary Brook, through to the University and Wivenhoe Park.
Lexden Route
Spanning from close to the large Tollgate retail park in the west of Colchester towards the Town Centre via Lexden Recreation ground
Boadicea Route
Connecting the Garrison Route in the south to the Lexden route in the west
Garrison Route
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.
Long Distance Cycle Paths
National Routes
Route 1
A long distance cycle route connecting Dover and the Shetland Islands - via the east coast of England and Scotland.
Route 13
When complete will connect Tower Bridge in London with Fakenham in Norfolk
Route 51
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.
International Routes
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.
Searching for something...
- Accommodation
- Things to Do
- What's On
- Food & Drink
Accommodation Search
Things to Do Search
What's On Search
Food & Drink Search
Accommodation Search
Things to Do Search
What's On Search
Food & Drink Search
Pick from one of several walking trails on Mersea Island, or follow the coastline around the perimeter for a longer circular walk- Discover Essex's only Designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on foot to make the most of the stunning scenery and country air
Walk the streets of Colchester with a fully qualified tour guide in order to discover all of its secrets. Tours run regularly throughout the year or you can even book a private tour at a time more suitable for you.
Number of results: 36
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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 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.
Address
Colchester, EssexColchester
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…
Address
Fixing the Link is an innovative artwork installation and wayfinding project to enhance the walk from Colchester North station to Colchester town centre.
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.
Address
Church Road, Layer-de-la-Haye, Abberton, Essex, CO2 0EUTelephone
01206 738172Abberton
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…
Address
Tiptree, Tiptree, Essex, CO5 0PTTelephone
01206 282739Tiptree
Tiptree Heath boasts magnificent heathers, ponds, trails and open space to enjoy.
Address
CO6 1JYThe 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.
Address
Visit Colchester Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UGTelephone
01206 282920Colchester
Discover a series of concrete murals around Colchester Town Centre depicting its history and famous characters from it's past.
Address
Visit Colchester Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UGTelephone
01206 282920Colchester
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…
Address
Visit Colchester Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UGTelephone
01206 282920Colchester
A riverside walking trail from Colchester's town centre to the historic port.
Address
Mersea Island, EssexMersea 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.
Address
Visit Colchester Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UGTelephone
01206 282920Colchester
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…
Address
Visit Colchester Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UGTelephone
01206 282920Colchester
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…
Address
Visitor Centre, Turner Road, Highwoods, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JRTelephone
01206 853588Highwoods, 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.
Address
Visit Colchester Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UGTelephone
01206 282920Colchester
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.
Address
South Green Road, Fingringhoe, Fingringhoe, Essex, CO5 7DNTelephone
01206 729678Fingringhoe
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
The Archaeological Park is one of the most significant Iron Age and Roman sites in the country. Enjoy a walk and discover the highlights of the site with the interpretation boards around the Park.
Address
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQTelephone
01206 873261Colchester
A pleasant walk around parts of the campus and Wivenhoe Park highlighting some of the notable trees. The route starts at Square 5 and will take around an hour, or longer if you linger over some of teh more interesting trees. There is a shorter…
© Visit Colchester. All Rights Reserved