Wivenhoe to Brightlingsea Circular

Wivenhoe to Brightlingsea circular

Length
This route is 18 miles.

But there opportunities to peel off and return to the start if you wanted to do a shorter version (see route map I have uploaded in the discussion section)

Pace
Bit faster than leisurely.

We never leave anyone behind but please make sure you have done an X - a 20 mile walk before with no issues.

What to expect...
We will walk next to the River Colne on the Wivenhoe Trail, and through marshes, woods and quaint little villages. And as we get into Brightlingsea, we'll get fish and chips and watch the sun set at the pier. Some of the way back will be in dusk and then the dark but will still be fun. I have uploaded some photos in the discussion for a taster.

Time:
Allow 8 hours for time on feet.
9-10 hrs including breaks

Parking:
Car Park B
Sports Centre
University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ

https://share.google/WKpGC1840hh1bXms9

Parking here is free on Saturdays. I rang and checked.

Meet time - 10.00 am

Meet place - the patch of grass on the opposite side of the sports centre (I have uploaded pictures)
https://w3w.co/wheels.circle.wells

I've kindly been supplied an interactive map of the location of all the toilets at Essex University. I can ping it over to you when needed. It looks like the nearest one is 6 mins walk away. Please arrive early if you envisage needing the facilities.

You must bring...
▫️Food - snacks plus lunch (plus dinner if you don't want 🐟&🍟).
▫️£ for 🐟&🍟.
▫️Water.
▫️Hiking or trail boots/trainers.
▫️(Packable) rain jacket.
▫️Emergancy & first aid kit
▫️Phone, power bank + lead
▫️Warm layering system - base layer, fleece, jacket, gloves, hat etc.
▫️Headtorch
▫️Wild loo kit - tissues and sealable bags. Nature is beautiful but let's leave no trace ;)

Non-essential items to consider...
▫️Walking poles
▫️A thermos of your fav hot beverage
▫️Helpful apps for your phone -
Strava
what3words
maps.me. (Download the area map for Wivenhoe in maps.me. ahead of the event)
▫️Sit pad.
▫️Sunglasses.
▫️Spare pair socks.
▫️Red clip-on light if you would feel safer walking any road sections in the dark.

I will have a first aid kit for the groups protection. However, attendees must be self-sufficient and take full responsibility for their own safety.

At the time of writing, the weather will be dry with sunny intervals. This event will be cancelled if it rains.

I can't guarantee a sunset but this is a lovely walk where the landscape changes often. Plenty of photo opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact me. I'd love to hear from you.

Jo 🌳

(Title photo by Stephen Johnson)