Wivenhoe - River Colne - Alresford Creek - Wivenhoe

Sid Marks

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This walk was originally contributed by Anne and Brian Sandland. Walkingworld is very grateful for Sid Marks to be taking over this route, January 2021.

Wivenhoe is a picturesque little town with a very pleasant waterfront and some lovely old houses. Shipbuilding was formerly carried on here and you will pass through the site of the old shipyard. There is also an impressive barrage, built to prevent tidal surges reaching the town and Colchester further upriver. An observation platform near it makes a good place to sit and have a snack before the main part of your walk.

The University of Essex is nearby and the town is the chosen home of many who commute daily to London. Well-known figures have also made their home here, including an actress famous for her portrayal of Miss Marple on television (Joan Hickson). The Colne too, is a picturesque river and the stretch of the former 'Crab and Winkle Line', which used to join Colchester and Brightlingsea, is a pleasure to walk.

The area around Alresford is much used for obtaining sand and gravel - in fact you pass several workings. The water-filled pits of disused workings provide pleasant lakes and homes for wildfowl and wildlife as well as the haunts of anglers. You again pass a number of these on your way.

Once you have passed to the far side of Wivenhoe again, you return to the path along the river for the final stretch back to the railway station. This path (and the section you used before, including the Crab and Winkle stretch) form part of a continuous cycleway which joins the ports of Hull and Harwich.

England - East England - Essex - River Walk