Colchester’s newest walking experience, Walk With Words, was officially launched today by Councillor Andrea Luxford Vaughan, joined by students from Colchester Institute and representatives from the University of Essex.
Funded by S106 contributions from student accommodation providers and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Safer Streets Fund, this innovative wayfinding project connects Colchester City Centre, the University of Essex and Greenstead, offering an engaging and community-driven approach to walking.
The route spans from St Botolph’s to the University of Essex campus via Magdalen Street, Hythe Hill and the Wivenhoe Trail, with an extension linking the university to Greenstead.
At the heart of Walk With Words are 16 unique wayfinding posts, each pinpointed by its What3Words geocode. These posts serve as pause points where walkers can use their smartphones to access dynamic digital content. Curated by the community and University of Essex students through its creative writing programmes, the content showcases local stories and memories that enhance the walking experience.
Students from Colchester Institute’s media course will now play a key role in creating and refreshing digital content, gaining valuable real-world experience. A competition, run in collaboration with the community, will further enhance engagement and content creation. As the project develops, digital content will be refreshed annually, offering new themes and perspectives. Walkers are encouraged to contribute their own stories and experiences, creating a dynamic archive of Colchester’s culture and history.
Councillor Andrea Luxford Vaughan, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Environment, and Sustainability, said: “We are pleased to launch Walk With Words, a project that promotes sustainable travel while making walking more enjoyable and accessible. This is a fantastic example of collaboration between the council, local institutions and the community to create something meaningful and lasting.
“This initiative promotes sustainable transport while improving safety. By linking key areas of Colchester, we hope to encourage more people to walk, thereby reducing emissions and fostering a sense of community.”
Iain Farquharson, Transport Manager at the University of Essex, said: “This is a really imaginative walking route connecting the University to the city centre and nearby neighbourhoods. Students have really enjoyed creating the material for the trail and we look forward to seeing how it develops in the future.”
Paul Couling, Digital Media tutor at the Colchester Institute, said: “Being part of the Walk With Words initiative is an incredible opportunity for our students. It allows them to engage with a live project, take responsibility for researching and producing compelling content and collaborate directly with the public and key stakeholders. This hands-on experience in a real-world setting will not only enhance their creative skills but also prepare them for the fast-paced demands of the digital media industry.”
Walkers are encouraged to explore the route and contribute their own stories, making Walk With Words a constantly evolving celebration of Colchester’s culture and creativity.
