Wild things to do in Colchester
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Colchester: wild camp or hammock in the willow overhangs of the Colne, Stour and Blackwater rivers.
RIVER STOUR – FEN BRIDGE
Trees and watery holes for hiding places. Fen Bridge isn't a secret, but it's a beautiful start.
≈ Find Dedham Riverside car park, Dedham Rd, Dedham, Colchester, CO7 6DH (51.962308, 0.993943). Launch kayak and paddle right/east for 1 mile, or if on foot cross the Stour bridge and walk right/east along the Stour Valley Path.
51.962500, 1.007861
20 mins
RIVER COLNE, MERSEA STONE
Isolated stone and sand spit to catch a glimpse of a porpoise on a calm day in July or August.
≈ Find very small car park at the end of East Road, East Mersea, Colchester CO5 8UW (51.798205, 0.995550). Keep walking east another 1/3 mile to the sea wall, then turn right and left out onto the point that looks across the estuary the Brightlingsea and Point Clear.
51.799945, 1.007209
15 mins
RIVER BLACKWATER, ABBOT'S HALL SALTINGS
Tidal only access to historic saltings and pen used for shipping goods and livestock .
≈ Find Coast Road car park, 116 Coast Rd, West Mersea, Colchester, CO5 8PB (51.779132, 0.898856). You must arrive early morning to find a parking space. Launch kayak from the pier next door 2-3 hours before high tide. Paddle 1/2 mile south into Salcott Creek and then 1.7 miles to the saltings.
51.785986, 0.859774
35-60mins