The Geocache is at the following location, N 51° 53.EAB E 000° 52.9CD, please visit the waypoints listed to get the missing information for the pictures on the cache page.
Hilly Fields is a local ‘jewel in the crown’ nature reserve, nestled just outside the town centre. It offers walks-within-walks depending on how much time you have or how far you want to go. On average the longest is around 2 miles but you can twist and turn, go in and out, to make it longer/shorter.
It’s easily accessible by foot if you’re already in Colchester or parking is available in Sussex Road, off Lexden Road (5 mins from A12).
This area includes a combination of woodland areas and fields – so great for both on and off the lead exercise for dogs. Wildlife is abundant – you’ll see rabbits, birds, squirrels and, if you’re lucky, a deer or two.
In the top field, that overlooks Colchester, you’ll find a section of round, open grassland with a pathway. Dotted around this there’s historical information signs for your interest.
Brief History:
Hilly Fields overlooks the valley of the river Colne which has always been a major communications artery. Two thousand years ago river boats on the Colne brought goods to prehistoric and Roman Colchester from many different parts of the Mediterranean world.
Although this area is now scrubland 2,000 years ago this was a thriving industrial suburb of a Roman city and the site of pottery kilns. Before that it was the site of an Iron Age mint. The slopes now have hawthorn and bramble scrub cover, as well nettles and some more open grassy areas. There are more detailed information plaques near the cache.
Placed with kind permission of the Colchester Borough Council.
