WALKS | | | You are in: Essex > Discover Essex > Walks > Colchester Roman River Walk> Stage 1 | |  River Colne | Colchester Roman River Walk
This walk takes in beautiful views and ancient heritage from the river Colne to the town's Roman walls. | | | | Walk details: | | Start point: | Hilly Fields Nature Reserve, north end of Sussex Road, Lexden. | | High Woods Country Park: | tel: 01206 853588 | | Ordanance Survey: | Explorer - map ref:TL984252 | | Distance: | approx 3km (2 miles) | | Time: | approx 1 1/2 hours | Extra info:
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| | British Isles: A Natural History is an epic series presented by Alan Titchmarsh. Over eight programmes, screened at 9pm from Wednesday 29 September, 2004 on BBC ONE, Alan unravels the story of the evolution of the British Isles. This Walk Through Time accompanies the series, exploring the ancient history and vibrant natural habitat to be found in Colchester.
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Some 2,000 years ago this biodiverse area was a thriving industrial suburb of a Roman city. Today the walk passes a variety of habitats from dry grassland and wildflower meadows to the River Colne. Look out for a range of wildlife from butterflies to water voles. | Getting there:
By bus: The Avenue bus stop is opposite Sussex Road and on bus routes 5, 65, 70, 71, 82, 83, 88, 700.
Information: tel: 0870 608 2608 or check the Traveline website.
By train: The start of the walk is approx. 30 mins walk from Colchester North railway station. Follow signs to town centre, walk up Balkerne Hill until you reach the roundabout, then turn left into Lexden Road.
By car/on foot: Park in Colchester town centre - approx. 10 mins walk from the start in Sussex Road which is off Lexden Road on the opposite side to the Essex County Hospital. There is only limited parking available in Sussex Road, although permit holder only restrictions are in place 1pm-2.30pm Mon-Fri. Alternatively you can start the walk in Hubert Road, where limited street parking is available. | | Walk conditions
Paths are of varying width and a mix of tarmac, compacted earth and grass that can become muddy after rain. There are two short steep hills. There are a number of kissing gates on the route not all of which are wheelchair/buggy friendly due to their width. One busy main road must be crossed twice.
Health and Safety information
Acknowledgments
The BBC would like to thank Open University consultant Dr Mike Dodd and Jerry Bowdrey and Dr Paul Sealey of Colchester Museums for their help in preparing this walk. | | | You are in: Essex > Discover Essex > Walks > Colchester Roman River Walk > Stage 1 | |
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© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. BBC licence number 100019855, 2004 | | | | | SEE ALSO | | On bbc.co.ukRest of the webThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites | |  |  | | More walks through time and amazing wildlife. |
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| BBC Essex website, P.O. Box 765, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9XB
phone: 01245 616000 | e-mail: [email protected] | |
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