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 Hidden Colchester 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