The Colne and Stour Valleys provide a beautiful landscape
through which to walk, details of which we will continue to add to this page.
The
River Colne Countryside Project
The River Colne Countryside Project opened the Colne Valley
Path in May 2006. The Colne Valley Path will link Great Yeldham to
Colchester. The route allows walkers to enjoy the delights of the Colne Valley
from the rivers edge to high on the valley side that opens up long views of
this wonderful valley.
The Colne Valley is rich in history and wildlife and walkers
will be able to enjoy many of the delights along the way. Starting at the
Great Oak in Yeldham the path takes in the historic villages of Castle
Hedingham, the great viaduct at Chappel and Lexden Dyke near Colchester before
finishing at Balkerne Gate in Colchester.
Wildlife watchers are in for a treat as the route takes in a
range of wildlife habitats including grazing marsh, woodland and past ancient
hedgerows. In addition the route crosses the Woodland Trust's new estate at
Fordham as well as passing by a number of County Wildlife Sites that are in
private ownership.
The route follows existing public rights of way and open space
and is waymarked with yellow discs to guide walkers. In addition a route guide
is available from the Project that describes the route as it crosses meadows,
woodlands and flits from the river bank to high up on the valley sides.
The walk is a testing 22½ miles. There are many opportunities
to stay bed and breakfast overnight in the valley so that walkers may like to
take a day or two enjoying the valley. Alternatively walkers can use the local
bus service to get back to the start point on each day of walking.
Copies of the guide are available from the Project (address
below). Cheques should be made out to Braintree District Council for £3.50.
For more information on the Colne Valley Path or the work of
River Colne Countryside Project then please contact the project officer: via
the address below.
Simon Amstutz, Project Officer, River Colne Countryside
Project, c/o CBC, PO Box 889, Town Hall, Colchester, CO1 1FL.
