Walton-on-the-Naze

On a surprisingly warm and sunny Wednesday 14th October 2026, seven of us met at Walton-on-the-Naze Station.

After spotting the wood carvings in the small communal garden near the station and looking at the sea-view, some of us braved the steep flight of steps down to the esplanade to admire the tiered rows of multi-coloured beach huts. In comparison Walton Pier looked extremely drab.

We then walked along the esplanade to meet up with three others who’d parked on the sea front. As we set off we saw a flock of geese flying in V-formation heading out to sea. Carrying on along the coast to the Naze Tower (a former 18th C lighthouse now housing art exhibitions by local artists) we then stopped for a cuppa from one of the cafes.

Our route then took us round the headland with views across the estuary, populated with a few bobbing boats, towards Harwich, spotting three egrets on the way. Part way round we were studiously looking at some black ‘posts’ sticking out of the water. With the aid of Trevor’s camera with its zoom lens we determined there were two cormorants sat on posts and several empty posts. A little later we were surprised to see a slow worm on our path – a first for all of us.

We then proceeded alongside the backwater behind a caravan park and the Columbine Centre to arrive in Walton where we found a café for another cuppa.

Total distance was about 6 miles.

Richard, 17/10/26