Walk around Colchester

1.9 miles (3 km)

A circular riverside walk around the centre of Colchester, visiting Colchester Castle and the River Colne. �The historic market town is the oldest recorded Roman town in�Britain, and claimed to be the�oldest town in Britain. It has a fascinating Roman history with many features of the occupation still visible today.
The walk starts at the Grade I listed Colchester Castle. The castle is a�largely complete�Norman�castle, dating from the 11th century. It is surrounded by Castle Park where there's attractive parkland, trees, flowers, a model boating pond and a number of historic sites. You can visit the Roman Town Wall, the Norman Castle Keep, foundations of Roman Town Houses, an 18th century Summerhouse and Hollytrees House built in 1718. �There's also a fascinating museum where you can find out about 2000 years of some of the most important events in British history.
After passing the castle the walk heads north through the Victorian Shrub Garden to the pretty boating lake. Here you come to Middle Mill Weir on the River Colne. A riverside footpath heads east and then south around the bend of the river to East Street. Turn right along East Hill and it will take you back to the castle grounds.
The walk can be extended by continuing along the river to The Hythe, Rowhedge and Wivenhoe. This section is known as the Wivenhoe Trail and includes interesting sculptures and fine views.

Colchester Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Colchester Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Colchester OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Colchester Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Colchester

High Woods Country Park - This country park in Colchester includes woodland, open spaces, ponds, a lake and wildflower meadows
Chalkney Wood - This area of ancient woodland near Chappel is a lovely place for a peaceful stroll
Abberton Reservoir - This is a circular cycle ride on the quiet roads and country lanes surrounding this large reservoir near Colchester, Essex
Dedham Vale - Explore John Constable country and visit the site of his famous Hay Wain painting on this circular walk in the Dedham Vale AONB
Mersea Island - Explore the coastline of the most easterly inhabited island in the United Kingdom island on this circular walk near Colchester
Cudmore Grove Country Park - Located at the�eastern end of Mersea Island this super country park is perfect for an easy coastal walk
Ardleigh Reservoir - This reservoir near Colchester has a nice country lane running along its northern side
Wivenhoe - The town of Wivenhoe is located just south of Colchester on the River Colne in Essex
Coggeshall - This attractive small town is located near Colchester in Essex
Polstead - This pretty Suffolk based village has a picturesque green, a nice village pond and a fine 17th century pub for post walk refreshment
Bures - This pretty village is located in a lovely spot on the River Stour on the Suffolk/Essex county border
Wivenhoe to Brightlingsea - This walk takes you along the river Colne from Wivenhoe to Brightlingsea.
Brightlingsea - This attractive coastal town is located in the Tendring district of Essex
Fingringhoe Wick - This walk visits the Fingringhoe Wick�Nature Reserve�in the Essex village of Fingringhoe.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

To continue your walking in the Colchester town centre, head north and visit High Woods Country Park. The park has lovely footpaths taking you to woodland, open spaces, ponds, a lake and wildflower meadows.
Colchester is also located close to the lovely Dedham Vale AONB.
Just to the west of the town you'll find the delightful small town of Coggeshall. It's a fine place to explore with two historic National Trust Properties, two 16th century pubs and river trails along the River Blackwater.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Essex Walks page.