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Walking in Colchester
New For 2021!
Two walking trails dedicated to the Roman Wall and the Siege of Colchester. Download a copy, or purchase a physical copy from the Visitor Information Centre for just £1 as soon as it's safe to re-open.
More Walks
Colchester, and its Beautiful Borough boasts a wide range of walks, trails and dedicated footpaths and an afternoon stroll is often a fantastic way to explore the local history and scenery alike. From short historical walks around the town, to long distance footpaths spanning the borough and beyond, you'll find a walk to suit you on this page.
Short Scenic Walks
Colchester Castle Park is a fantastic spot in the heart of town to take a quick walk. From a riverside stroll to scenic gardens, as well as bags of history including Colchester Castle itself. We’d recommend stretching your legs here to anyone. For some extra structure you can pick up a tree trail or a family activity trail.
Further afield, local nature reserves from High Woods Country Park, to Fingringhoe, Abberton, and Cudmore Grove in East Mersea all have plenty of scenic walks to enjoy, and let's not forget Constable Country - a designated are of outstanding natural beauty with walking trails that will take your breath away.
History Trails
Discover Colchester’s History with a guided walking trail. Our top recommendation is the Colchester Heritage Trail which you can purchase from the visitor information centre for £2.50 – it’s a perfect introduction to the town and all it’s history. However, other options are available including guides to the Roman Walls, the Siege of Colchester, Colchester’s concrete murals, or a blue plaque trail.
For the technologically minded you can download the Ancient Colchester app, or a Roman Colchester audio tour and navigate the town from your smartphone or tablet
Longer Walks
From the town centre, a riverside stroll to Wivenhoe is one of most popular walks. Follow the Town to Sea trail to Colchester’s historic port, then continue along the Wivenhoe Trail beside the river bank to the picturesque town of Wivenhoe. There are regular buses and trains to get you back to your starting point again.
Locals might enjoy the Colchester Orbital – a 15 mile walk around the hidden paths, parks and backstreets encircling the town. Tackle it all at once, or in sections.
For a proper hike, two long distance footpaths run through the borough; the Essex Way and Stour Valley path, and of course the Dedham Vale in Constable Country offers a network of footpaths to explore in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Visit Colchester Team are always happy to help you plan your trip, and you can pick up more walking trails and maps from the Visitor Information Centre in Castle Park
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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: 39
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
Starting point: The Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PTTelephone
01206 282920Colchester
'Walking the walls' is a great way to explore Colchester's history. This circular walk takes you around Colchester's famous town wall.
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.
Address
Starting point: Hollytrees House, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JHTelephone
01206 282920Colchester
Take a walk through history, exploring key sites from the Siege of Colchester in 1648 and the scars that can still be seen today.
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.
The Stour Valley Path is a 60 mile walk following the River Stour through Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.
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
Fixing the Link is an innovative artwork installation and wayfinding project to enhance the walk from Colchester North station to Colchester town centre.
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
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
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
Northern Gateway, Off of Junction 28 of the A12, Colchester, EssexColchester
A 76-acre sport and leisure facility providing indoor and outdoor facilities opening Spring 2021.
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.
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
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.
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
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
Visitor Centre, Turner Road, Highwoods, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JRTelephone
01206 853588Highwoods, Colchester
High Woods Country Park is one of Colchester's best-loved beauty spots, with plenty of opportunities to relax, play and explore the large grounds.
Address
Tiptree, Tiptree, Essex, CO5 0PTTelephone
01206 282739Tiptree
Tiptree Heath boasts magnificent heathers, ponds, trails and open space to enjoy.
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.
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