historic port, the Hythe Colchester and its A riverside trail One of the 14 We would like to thank all the schools, Drawings by local children handforged Town to Sea Trail waymarkers organisations and community groups that took 1. Gin and Gingerbread 4. Compass found on part in the development of the Town to Sea Trail. by Paulina Wyzykowska by Ayoddya Senanayake the route Sir Charles Lucas Arts College Sir Charles Lucas Arts College A tradition within Colchester is William Gilberd, a famous son of for the Mayor to drink Gin and eat Colchester, his study of magnetism and gingerbread with oysters as part electricity would help transform the way About the poet of the opening ceremony for the people thought about navigation. based poet and writer Martin Newell is poet autumn oyster season. 5. Oranges in residence for The Sunday Express. A musician and 2. Ship's Wheel by Curtis Ford broadcaster he also regularly features on BBC Radio and TV. by Scott Antoniou Sir Charles Lucas Arts College Sir Charles Lucas Arts College A variety of cargoes were imported The walk Colchester, Rowhedge, Wivenhoe and and exported through Colchester such were known collectively as cloth and timber. Some of the most A moderate trail for cyclists and walkers including cycle as the Port of Colchester. They were exotic ones came in from London. paths and two busy roads. One section is unlit at night. once centres of ship building, A famous fruit cutter for the exotic fishing, trade and yacht racing. fruit trade was built on the Hythe. More than Britain’s 3. Starfish 6. Fish Head by John Brady by Joel Black oldest recorded town Old Heath Community Primary School Old Heath Community Primary School To find out more about the Town to Sea Trail and The starfish is a natural predator of Fishing was an important industry oysters. The Colchester Native oyster on the river and a fish market used the many cultural attractions Colchester has to offer is known to have been part of the to be held in the Hythe. visit www.visitcolchester.com or pop into the Visit Roman staple diet and is still Colchester Information Centre at 1 Queens Street, popular today. for more details call 01206 282920. This project was supported by Colchester Borough Council's Arts Development Department within Cultural Services and the East Colchester Regeneration Team. Large print and Braille copies available 6. on request Tel: 01206 282917

RenewRegenerateRediscover An even better Colchester 5.

Leaflet designed by Ifan Bates, [email protected] Photography by Chris Reeve. historic port, the Hythe Colchester and its A riverside trail Trail map East Hill 2 miles / 3.2 km

i St rstsite 4. This unique art trail, designed for walkers and Visitor Priory School cyclists, follows the tidal River Colne through Brook Street some of the lesser known areas of Colchester. 2. Rosebery Ave Hythe Unravel the poem in this The Hythe (meaning haven) Station leaflet and find the fourteen, has been a port since hand-forged artworks along the middle ages and was

the route to gain insight into overseen by an official called Hythe Hill the area’s history and wildlife. the Portreeve. Community Artists Andrew Rowe, David The poem and artworks refer Centre Mackie, Heather Parnell and to the industries that made 1. Maudlyn Rd Becky Adams worked with Colchester rich and some the local community to of its famous ancestors, create the stunning imagery including the Elizabethan 3. which Wivenhoe based poet, scientist, William Gilberd. Town to Sea Recreation Martin Newell, has taken as Use your senses to find the by Martin Newell Ground Colne Causeway the inspiration for the trail’s insects in the tower and the poem. Start or finish at firstsite, other wildlife on route. From Cymbeline to present day Lizard, newt and nesting bird Raven on the Portreeve’s seal Fishing boats went out from here or extend your journey to the To discover what gingerbread By wooden ship and iron plough Bee-wolf wasp and willow herb Stolen from the vanquished Dane Boys who'd bring the supper back charming port of Wivenhoe and oysters have in common From town to sea, this was the way Where the nearby town is heard Watching as the seagulls wheel Hawsers, nets and winding gear and why not stop at a café or download the activity sheet at The trail that led from then, to now. And King Car may not disturb. Till the boats return again. Trawler, Bawley, deep-sea smack. pub for refreshment? www.visitcolchester.com Have Here Queen Bess’s own physician Swallows and the swifts migrate Here among St Leonard's features Oysters, gingerbread and gin n Rd River Colne William Gilberd’s fame was won When the summer’s fled Ancient beehive, working still Back from Pyefleet, bearing east ’s earliest electrician And the winter sun comes late And the buzz of busy creatures August out – September in Colchester’s magnetic son. Waiting for the whooper swan. Drifting up to Timber Hill. Autumn sun, then mayoral feast. To Wivenhoe Cloth for master, cloth for dame Cargoes from exotic climes Lugger, lighter, barge and cutter Here the globe exchanges riches Flemish Weavers passed this way Wafted on the summer winds Graced this quayside with their load Electronics, education Wove the borough wealth and fame Lemons, oranges and limes Schooners bringing fruit and butter Take the place of fish and flitches Key Gave the town its bay and say. Cinnamon and tamarinds. Ghosts that gaze at Maudlyn Road. Nation trades with other nation. Trail Road Rails run towards the wharf Boats built by the river bank Export cargoes hoist by crane Underneath this eastern sky Alternative route Way marker & verse Where the rusty river curled Since the distant dawn of sail Boots and shoes and tuns of ale Went the weaver and his pack Green footpath Church

Lathe and diesel, oil and swarf Keel, keelson, rib and plank Sacks of feed and Essex grain Sailing ships and seagull’s cry Railway Light Ship Engineering for the world. Rudder, rivet, cleat and rail. Waiting for the ship to sail. Sea to town the trail leads back.