4.94°C Jane’s Walk 2023: An international festival of local walks led by local people, in celebration of the urbanist, writer and activist Jane Jacobs (1916-2006).
Have you ever walked around Colchester and wondered about the stories behind the buildings, streets, and people that make it unique? If so, Jane’s Walk is an event you won’t want to miss.
Jane’s Walk is a global movement that began in Toronto in 2007 to honour the legacy of urbanist and writer Jane Jacobs. The event takes place on the first weekend of May each year, inviting communities to come together.
Please note, all walks are FREE and OPEN TO ALL. They are best thought of as non-expert, community-led walking conversations. All walk times are approximate.
Saturday 6th May WALK 1: Walk with Purpose
A walking trail exploring the lives and achievements of some of Colchester’s women from the past. Join us as we visit locations around the city centre with connections to the stories of our women and use these to consider safe spaces for women in the urban environment today. With Claire Driver and Rebekah Wallace-Brown.
ACCESSIBILITY: A city centre walk, hard surfaced all the way, using crossing points and dropped kerbs. Short sections with gradients or narrow pavements possible; chair users may need occasional assistance.
Regular rest points. Meet: 3.30pm, Firstsite (foyer), CO1 1JH (1.5m, 1.5 hrs)
Saturday 6th May EVENT: Jane’s Walk Grand Quiz!
Fundraiser evening and festival launch Tables/teams of 4-6. Bring your own drinks (alcohol/soft), glasses & snacks. Back by popular request, all the way from South Wales, Toast will be selling vegan Completos (Chilean street food) from the Cardinal Bourne kitchen.
ACCESSIBILITY: Level access. Accessible toilet. Accessible parking opposite. Venue: Cardinal Bourne Hall, 7-11pm.
Tickets: £10 per person (Eventbrite: search ‘Jane’s Walk Grand Quiz’)
Sunday 7th May WALK 2: Together We Walk, Together We Grow!
A circular ‘growers’ walk from Mercers Farm allotments where we will meet local allotment holders, via Bull Meadow and passing Cowdray Marsh Local Wildlife Site, up through High Woods Country Park to the Together We Grow community garden, a 2-acre site with orchards, veg beds and poly tunnels, and a very warm welcome! Ending with tea/coffee and cake and leisurely walk back. With Clare Smee. ACCESSIBILITY: step-free and hard surfaced paths all the way, except for within the allotment sites themselves, where the terrain is grassy/earthen and uneven, and the going difficult for chair users in particular. Kissing gates into and out of Bull Meadow where there is also a boardwalk section. The Meadow is however only a short section of the walk and can be circumnavigated. There are also some long medium/steep gradients on both outward and return journeys to High Woods (though downhill on return).
Meet: 10am, at the yellow bridge, Riverside, Lower Castle Park exit (east), CO1 2SD (3m, 3 hrs).
Sunday 7th May WALK 3: Weans Walk Wild in Wellies in Wivenhoe Woods.
Go wild and enjoy games and fun activities with Forest School leader, Jean Quinn. Children of all ages up to 12 yrs. accompanied by an adult. Possibly too long for 2-3 yr. olds, but pushchair friendly. Break for snacks; bring a drink.
ACCESSIBILITY: Step-free earthen paths through woods. Some uneven ground; some slight-medium gradients and camber along paths. May be muddy in the wet. Likely to be difficult for chair users but please do be in touch to discuss individual circumstances.
Meet: 10.30am, Wivenhoe Railway Station car park, CO7 9DJ (1.5m, 2.5 hrs).
Sunday 7th May WALK 4: From Workhouse to Foodbanks.
Walk through the city centre and listen to stories of the survival of the poor. From Alms houses to sleeping rough, housing has always been a challenge. Discover the impact of the Garrison on 1860s life. Learn about who was sent to St Mary’s workhouse and why? And who uses the foodbank today? With Kevin Finnigan.
ACCESSIBILITY: A city centre walk, hard surfaced all the way, using crossing points and dropped kerbs. Short sections with gradients possible or narrow pavements; chair users may need occasional assistance.
Meet: 2pm, Colchester War Memorial (1.5m, 1.5hrs)
Sunday 7th May WALK 5: The Wrong Side of the River.
Explore the lesser trodden lagoons on the west side of the River Colne between Hythe and Rowhedge. With 101 bird species recorded, don’t forget binoculars! Ending with a pint at the Albion Pub, Rowhedge (nr bus route back, no. S9). Dogs welcome but must be kept on leads. With Emma Regan. ACCESSIBILITY: Level, step-free, surfaced paths all the way; tarmac at the Hythe, beyond the Hythe, hoggin (a clay/gravel mix). Firm terrain but may include some muddy sections if wet. 2-3 kissing gates, accessible via most manual wheelchairs – independent chair users may need some assistance. Not accessible via motorised chairs or mobility scooters.
Meet: 2.30pm, the red Colne Lightship, King Edward Quay, Hythe, CO2 8GQ. (2m, 1.5 hrs)
Sunday 7th May EVENT Documentary: The Felling (2022).
Introduced by Director Eve Wood, followed by Q&A. A ‘David-and-Goliath story’ of how a community of residents in one of Europe’s greenest cities battled with a powerful city council, a giant multinational corporation and the police, over a deal to chop down thousands of healthy street trees as part of a £2.2 billion private contract to maintain the city’s highways. An ‘extraordinary and shocking’ account of what happened on the tree-lined suburban streets of Sheffield, 2014-2018 (https://www.fellingfilm.com/). ACCESSIBILITY: Accessible parking with advance notice (contact venue), level access, accessible toilets. Induction loop.
Venue/Time: Firstsite (https://firstsite.uk/), 7-9pm. Tickets on the door (Pay As You Feel).
Monday 8th May WALK 6: Looking After Our Footpaths. ‘What can we do to take care of our public footpaths and pass on a useable network of paths to future generations?’
A circular walk around the public footpaths of East Donyland, (Blackheath), discussing how to overcome footpath issues. With Pamela Bradley.
ACCESSIBILITY: The most rural of our walks. Suitable for adults wearing stout shoes or trainers, walking across rough grass and rutted, possibly muddy woodland paths. Not accessible to chair or mobility scooter users.
Meet: 10am, outside The Cherry Tree pub, Mersea Rd, CO2 0AD (3.5m, 2hrs). Some rough terrain and possibly muddy woodland paths.
Monday 8th May WALK 7: The Abbey Way – firebugs, circuses, gunpowder explosions, a school murder and a tree called “Simon”.
A walk between three heritage sites – Colchester Roman Circus, Abbey Gateway and Trinity Church – detailing the intriguing history, stories and ecology of the route between them. With Alex Jones.
ACCESSIBILITY: A city centre walk, hard surfaced all the way, using crossing points and dropped kerbs. However, route takes in Scheregate Steps – if Vineyard lift still out of action, this would mean a significant detour for chair users, via Queen St or Head |St. Short sections with gradients (Abbeygate St underpass and John’s Green); chair users may need some assistance.
Meet: 10am, Colchester Roman Circus (main gate), CO2 7GZ (2.5m, 1.5 hrs)
Monday 8th May WALK 8: Sunday Traders: capturing Colchester’s streets.
We are a mixed group of photography-loving folk who’ve been getting together since Jane’s Walk 2017 to try and capture the quirkier side of street life in local towns & villages. Join us for an informal walk and talk with cameras or mobile phones. All welcome – no experience necessary. Opportunity to share pictures afterwards. With Chrissie Alexander and Ron Bell.
ACCESSIBILITY: A city centre walk, hard surfaced all the way, using crossing points and dropped kerbs. Short sections with gradients or narrow pavements possible; chair users may need occasional assistance. Regular rest points.
Meet: 12 noon, Firstsite (foyer), CO1 1JH (1.5m, 2.5hrs)
Monday 8th May WALK 9: The Hidden History of Hilly Fields – the changing uses of the landscape over time. Today this tranquil landscape looks like it was never developed but go back in time and you find Roman graveyards and Celtic burials, Star Forts, farmhouses, glass and coin making, metal working, Celtic settlements and trackways, defensive dykes, Roman roads and an aqueduct. You just need to know where to look! With Max Fox.
ACCESSIBILITY: A step-free, mostly surfaced walk, though including some light gravel and medium gradients. Accessible to mobility scooter users; independent chair users may need some assistance. Regular rest points.
Meet: 1.30pm, entrance to Hilly Fields, Sussex Road, CO3 3QJ (1m, 1.5 hrs)
Monday 8th May WALK 10: Wild-Light LandEscape, Museum of the Landscape – A Gourmet Forage… A short introduction and fun way to discover the foods and medicinals that can be found outside of the supermarket. Learn about some of the possibilities you and your family can create. Please bring a bag/basket for collection, and your own bread rolls! With Mitch McClean.
ACCESSIBILITY: A step-free, hard surfaced walk – the first section via undulating hoggin (clay/gravel mix) paths through woods, possibly sticky in the wet, and including some slight-medium gradients. The remainder/majority of the walk via tarmac path and pavement, and largely level. Accessible to mobility scooter users; independent chair users may need some assistance.
Meet: 3.30pm, Chanterelle car park, High Woods Country Park, CO4 9RQ (1m, 2.5 hrs). Please note, places limited to 30 people. TO BOOK: phone/text 07593 543306
Tuesday 9th May WALK 11: Haunted Colchester: From the dark history of the ancient Dutch Quarter to the secrets of the old city centre and haunted East Hill.
Ending with fortifying beverage at The Forester’s Arms! With Rob Brown.
ACCESSIBILITY: A city centre walk, hard surfaced all the way, via very quiet roads (e.g. through Dutch Quarter), but using crossing points and dropped kerbs where necessary. Short sections with medium-steep or narrow pavements possible; chair users may need occasional assistance.
Meet: 7.30pm, at Colchester Town Hall (1m, 1.5 hrs)
Wednesday 10th May WALK 12: Colchester Orbital Trees of Note (ToN).
A walk in support of the ToN project, around the most rural easterly loop of the Colchester Orbital, to help complete our Orbital tree trail – possibly the longest tree trail in the world? (https://www.walkcolchester.org.uk/trees-of-note). No tree knowledge required! With Diana Hargrave.
ACCESSIBILITY: One of the most rural walks. Taking in mixed, uneven terrain, including sometimes rutted earthen/headland paths, some rough grass and possibly muddy woodland paths. Various gates and stiles. Not accessible to chair or mobility scooter users.
Meet: 10am, Tesco Express, Bromley Rd, CO4 3JE (5m, 3 hrs). Rural, mixed terrain, 3 stiles. Bring drink/snack.
Wednesday 10th May WALK 13: For Better or for Worse?
Myland has a long history of social, mental and health care. A walk exploring the sites of the former Severalls Hospital, Turner Village, Myland Hospital and nearby Essex Hall, and questioning how these institutions have helped to shape the areas around them. With Robert Johnstone.
ACCESSIBILITY: A city fringe walk, hard surfaced all the way, using crossing points and dropped kerbs. Some long sections with medium gradients (Mile End Rd); chair users may need some assistance. Regular rest points.
Meet: 6.30pm, Colchester North railway station (south side), by the elephant (2 hrs)
Thursday 11th May EVENT: How Walking Changes Us
An evening with author Annabel Streets, who will talk about her two recent books, 52 Ways to Walk: The Surprising Science of Walking for Wellness and Joy, and Windswept: Walking in the Footsteps of Remarkable Women, which explore the many ways that walking changes our brains, bodies, minds and the relationships we have with ourselves, others and the landscape.
ACCESSIBILITY: Blue Badge parking, level access via side ramp, accessible toilet. Lift.
Venue/Time: Headgate Theatre, 6.30-8pm (doors open 5.45pm). Tickets: in advance (https://www.headgatetheatre.co.uk/) or on the door (Pay As You Feel).
Friday 12th May EVENT Film: Urbanized (2011).
Acclaimed feature-length documentary by Director Gary Hustwit, followed by Q&A. 75% of the world’s population will live in a city by 2050. Talking to architects, planners, policymakers, builders and thinkers across the globe, this wide-ranging documentary looks at the issues and strategies behind their design, from the global challenges of environmental policy and economic development, to housing, mobility, public space and civic engagement…
ACCESSIBILITY: Accessible parking with advance notice (contact venue), level access, accessible toilets. Induction loop.
Venue/Time: Firstsite (https://firstsite.uk/), 7-9.15pm. Tickets on the door (Pay As You Feel).
Saturday 13th May WALK 14: Birds of the Lower Colne.
An early morning walk along the river, from Jumbo to Wivenhoe. With Michael Padmore from the Colchester Natural History Society.
ACCESSIBILITY: step-free, surfaced paths all the way, mostly tarmac until the Hythe/University. Beyond the Hythe, on the Wivenhoe Trail, hoggin path (clay/gravel mix). Firm terrain but may include some muddy sections if wet. Fine for mobility scooter users; independent chair users may need assistance. A mostly level route, but some uneven sections and short gradients.
Meet: 7am, by Jumbo Water Tower, CO1 1PT. Return bus/train. (4.75m, 3 hrs).
Saturday 13th May WALK 15: The Best Days of Our Lives?
Childhood in Newtown. A walk recalling stories from the Dickensian School off Hythe Hill; 500 children without schooling roaming Colchester in the 1890s; Barrack Street Board School built 1895; the schoolboy ‘anti-cane’ strike in 1911; wartime memories of evacuation and school dinners; a woodland school and the recreation ground. With Sheila Kelly.
ACCESSIBILITY: A city centre walk, hard surfaced all the way, using crossing points and dropped kerbs. Short sections with gradients (e.g. the approach to the Woodland School) or narrow pavements (e.g. Hythe Hill) possible; chair users may need occasional assistance. Regular rest points.
Meet: 10.30am, Wilson Marriage Centre, CO1 2LR (1.5m, 2hrs)
Saturday 13th May WALK 16: An ancient route to Copford Church.
Copford back in time: follow a route first trod thousands of years ago. Around Gravel Pits Wood, across Copford Plains, to the Church with its fabulous 12th-century wall paintings and Romanesque apse. Children welcome (all off-road, wild woods and activities in the church!). With David Knock and Claire Macaulay.
ACCESSIBILITY: mostly hard surfaced paths, with some exceptions through Pits Wood where the surface is earthen/hoggin & may be muddy in the wet. Within the woods the main walk route will also take in some medium to steep gradients & steps, though both can be easily avoided if necessary. The route beyond Pits Wood to the church is hard surfaced but via a long upward gradient. Chair users may need some assistance.
Meet: 11am, Copford Village Hall, CO6 1BX (2m, 2hrs)
Saturday 13th May CYCLE 17: A Jane’s Cycle around the Colchester Orbital.
A chance to enjoy again or for the first time, and at a leisurely cycling pace, this great circular route! Booking not necessary, but helpful (email: info@walkcolchester.org.uk). With Niko Hughes and friends. ACCESSIBILITY: open to all, including families with older children of some cycling experience and fitness. Some short steeper gradients but otherwise a mostly level route.
Meet: 1.30pm, at the back of the Curzon Cinema (14m; 2.5 hrs)
Saturday 13th May WALK 18: Propelling Points about People, Parcels and Poo.
A circular walk around the Hythe and New Town, exploring local transport from Ancient to Modern Times. Learn how a deprived part of Colchester boosted the local economy over many years. Find out about a local man alleged to be London’s most famous serial killer, how one pastime became an Olympic sport, links to a famous nursery rhyme and other extraordinary facts! With Steven Shaw.
ACCESSIBILITY: A city fringe walk, hard surfaced all the way, using crossing points and dropped kerbs. Short sections with gradients or narrow pavements possible; chair users may need occasional assistance. Intermittent rest points.
Meet: 2pm, Hythe Station (2.5m, 2.5 hrs)
Saturday 13th May WALK 19: Inspired in Colchester
A city centre trail celebrating fiction set in and around Colchester through the ages, hearing stories in the streets where they were set. With author Alex Clare. ACCESSIBILITY: A city centre walk, hard surfaced all the way, using crossing points and dropped kerbs. Short sections with gradients or narrow pavements possible; chair users may need occasional assistance. Intermittent rest points.
Meet: 4.30pm, Firstsite (foyer), Lewis Gardens (1m, 1.5 hrs)
Saturday 13th May WALK 20: Reclaiming Colchester’s Folleys.
A walk through the folleys of New Town – hidden historic walkways connecting the Victorian garrison and other key locations. With Pam Cox & Kayleigh Rippingale, two local councillors who have been working with the community and local artists to ‘reclaim the folleys’.
ACCESSIBILITY: A city centre walk, largely level, along hard surfaced alleys. Some of these however have short flights of steps at one or both ends compromising access, although some midway sections are accessible. Chair users advised to be in touch in advance to discuss (email: info@walkcolchester.org.uk).
Meet: 6.30pm. Kendall Folley, Wimpole Rd (nr junction with Barrack Street), CO1 2BX (1m, 1hr).
Sunday 14th May WALK 21: The Wrong End of the Stick
A tour of Colchester’s public conveniences – their history, stories and artwork. With artist Anne Schwegmann-Fielding.
ACCESSIBILITY: A city centre walk, hard surfaced all the way, using crossing points and dropped kerbs. Largely level. Some short sections with gradients or narrow pavements possible; chair users may need occasional assistance. Intermittent rest points. Note, on this walk one Point of Interest (at The Brewhouse) is not accessible for wheelchair users. All other conveniences are convenient!
Meet: 10am, at the bridge to Colchester Castle entrance (1m, 2.5 hrs).
Saturday 13th May WALK 22: A Time Travellers Guide to the New City.
A walk visiting some of our local public spaces as we travel back and forth through time: find out exactly what made our new city what it is today and think about what it may become. A quirky and iconic walk/street theatre experience with poetry, stories and some pop-up surprises! With Dorian Kelly. ACCESSIBILITY: A city centre walk, hard surfaced all the way, using crossing points and dropped kerbs. Largely level. Some short sections with gradients or narrow pavements possible; chair users may need occasional assistance. Intermittent rest points.
Meet: 10.30am, Colchester Arts Centre (side door), CO1 1NF (1.3 m, 2.5hrs)
Saturday 13th May WALK 23: How to Read a House.
We walk past them every day, but how often do we take the chance to actually look at them? A house can tell us a lot about when and how it was built, how it has changed and who might have lived there, if you just know how to read it. We’ll look at some free resources that can be used to support further research and help confirm findings. We will also discuss the historical background to some of the areas we visit. With Andrew Mowbray.
ACCESSIBILITY: A city centre walk, hard surfaced all the way, and largely level (one step between Ryegate Road and Maidenburgh Street). Using crossing points and dropped kerbs wherever possible, but some low kerbs to negotiate in places and some short sections with gradients or narrow pavements possible. Chair users may need occasional assistance. Frequent stops, usually only a few minutes apart.
Meet: 2pm. Firstsite (foyer), CO1 1JH (2m, 2hrs)
Saturday 13th May WALK 24: Explorative Foraging.
Explore and discuss natural heritage in an urban and industrial context and discover some edible and medicinal plants, trees, flowers and leaves. Our slow, stop and start walk will take us along Victorian back alleys, hedgerows, and out onto the Colne estuary. We’ll finish our journey together with foraged tea! With wildcrafter and artist Lora Aziz. Numbers limited, booking advised (info@walkcolchester.org.uk).
ACCESSIBILITY: A step-free walk, mostly via hard surfaced tarmac paths. Including some slight-medium gradients. Independent chair users may need some assistance.
Meet: 3.30pm, East Hill Garage, CO1 2QZ (2miles, 2.5 hrs)
Saturday 13th May WALK 25: Unravelling Colchester’s Textile History.
A city centre walk and journey through time looking for clues to Colchester historical links with the textile industry. With Lorraine James.
ACCESSIBILITY: A city centre walk, hard surfaced all the way, using crossing points and dropped kerbs. Largely level. Some short sections with gradients or narrow pavements possible; chair users may need occasional assistance. Intermittent rest points.
Meet: 4pm, at Firstsite (foyer), CO1 1JH (2hrs)
Jane’s Walk 2023 is kindly supported by the Colchester Cultural and Creative Events Fund, Firstsite, The Headgate Theatre and Colchester Arts Centre.
For details on walk accessibility, please see the Jane’s Walk web page (www.walkcolchester.org.uk) and the Jane’s Walk Facebook event pages for information on individual walks.
