Colchester - Fingringhoe - Rowhedge - River Colne - Colchester
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This walk was originally contributed by Anne and Brian Sandland but Walkingworld is very grateful for Sid Marks taking it over in 2020.
Due to the collapse of the path along the River Colne near The Hythe,the route has temporarily been re-routed, December 2020.
Starting at Colchester Town Railway Station, you walk through the area of the town containing Colchester Garrison. Continue through Berechurch to the Roman River. Cross it to arrive in the village of Fingringhoe. Recross the Roman River past a former tidemill, now adapted as luxury homes. Then move on to the village of Rowhedge and the River Colne, which you follow back to The Hythe and then take paths through the town to pass the ruins of a former priory and return to your start point.
On this walk you will pass some very interesting areas where the Colchester Garrison is housed for a good quarter of the early part of the walk. There are also rifle ranges at Fingringhoe, but you will not cross these, so there is no need to worry about whether red flags are flying! At one point you will pass the Courts Martial Centre and the headquarters of the 'Redcaps', the Military Police. Many former soldiers (and others besides) will no doubt be aware that Colchester is where Army wrongdoers are sent for their punishment.
Once in the country you may still be aware that the area is much used for Army manoeuvres and exercises. However, this is pleasant walking and once you cross the Roman River to head for Fingringhoe, you should be entirely unaware of the proximity of the town and the Army. The converted mill just after the church at Fingringhoe must be a very desirable place to live.
From here on, your walk is alongside water for the most part, most of which is the River Colne, a navigable river as far as Colchester. Having passed through the little town of Rowhedge you eventually arrive at the quaysides of The Hythe, Colchester's port area. After an industrial section you walk through part of the town and see a few of its sights, including the ruins of the former St Botolph's Priory, a number of churches and a section of the old town wall, before arriving back at the station.
England - East England - Essex - Countryside
Features
Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Castle, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Mostly Flat, Museum, Play Area, Pub, River, Tea Shop