Walking & Cycling

Walking in Colchester

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.

More Walks

Colchester, and its surrounding countryside 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 city, to long distance footpaths that pass through the area, 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 the city 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 city 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 city from your smartphone or tablet

Longer Walks

From the city 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 city. Tackle it all at once, or in sections.

For a proper hike, two long distance footpaths run close by; 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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Download a Town Centre Map
Walking on Mersea Island

Pick from one of several walking trails on Mersea Island, or follow the coastline around the perimeter for a longer circular walk
Walking in Constable Country

Discover Essex's only Designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on foot to make the most of the stunning scenery and country air
Take a Guided Tour of Colchester

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: 43

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Hidden Colchester Walking Trail

Address

Starting point: Hollytrees House, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

Take a walk through the backstreets, lanes and alleys of Colchester to discover its secrets and hidden gems, as well as a selection of familiar sites that conceal unusual stories within their walls.
WyvernWood

Address

St Osyth Road, Alresford, Essex, CO7 8AS

captain@wyvernwood.co.uk

Alresford

Introducing Wyvernwood, an Enchanted Lost Kingdom that has existed for many centuries in a peaceful and beautiful setting near Colchester, in Essex.
This extraordinary world has only recently been discovered by the outside world and provides the…
The Siege of Colchester - Walking Trail

Address

Starting point: Hollytrees House, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

Take a walk through history, exploring key sites from the Siege of Colchester in 1648 and the scars that can still be seen today.
Ancient Colchester App

Address

High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

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.
A Walking Tour of the Roman and Medieval Gates

Address

Starting point: The Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PT

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

'Walking the walls' is a great way to explore Colchester's history. This circular walk takes you around Colchester's famous town wall.
Colchester Orbital

Address

Colchester, Essex

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…
The Wivenhoe Trail

Address

Wivenhoe

Wivenhoe

Follow our downloadable map along the The Wivenhoe Trail from Colchester town centre to the riverside town of Wivenhoe.
Castle Park

Address

High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ

Telephone
01206 282962

parks@colchester.gov.uk

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 Sports Park

Address

Northern Gateway, Off of Junction 28 of the A12, Colchester, Essex

Colchester

A 76-acre sport and leisure facility providing indoor and outdoor facilities.
Tiptree Heath

Address

Tiptree, Tiptree, Essex, CO5 0PT

Telephone
01206 282739

Tiptree

Tiptree Heath boasts magnificent heathers, ponds, trails and open space to enjoy.
Cudmore Grove Country Park

Address

East Mersea, East Mersea, Essex, CO5 8UE

Telephone
01206 383868

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

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.
Castle Park Tree Trail

Address

Visit Colchester Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

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…
Family Heritage Treasure Trail

Address

Visit Colchester Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

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…
Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve

Address

Church Road, Layer-de-la-Haye, Abberton, Essex, CO2 0EU

Telephone
01206 738172

abberton@essexwt.org.uk

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…
High Woods Country Park

Address

Visitor Centre, Turner Road, Highwoods, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JR

Telephone
01206 853588

countryside.team@colchester.gov.uk

Highwoods, 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.
Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve

Address

South Green Road, Fingringhoe, Fingringhoe, Essex, CO5 7DN

Telephone
01206 729678

fingringhoe@essexwt.org.uk

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.
Mersea Island Walking Map

Address

Mersea Island, Essex

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.
Town To Sea Trail

Address

Visit Colchester Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

A riverside walking trail from Colchester's town centre to the historic port.
Gosbecks Archaeological Park

Address

Maldon Road, Colchester, CO3 4RN

Telephone
01206 282931

museums@colchester.gov.uk

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.
Colchester Heritage Trail

Address

Visit Colchester Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

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…