Coastal
Walks
You will be spoilt for choice with all the different beaches and
coastlines to visit but here are a few of our favourites:
Frinton-on-Sea – with its pretty beach huts and extensive greensward
is very popular . Parking is free all along the sea front next to
the greensward but be warned this tends to fill up on sunny days and
parking can then be found in the many roads off the esplanade.
Frinton Beach |
Jaywick Beach |
Jaywick Sands - Avoid the town
and run down houses of Jaywick and head for the extensive golden
beaches, highly rated for their cleanliness and safe bathing. The
beach here is still a hidden secret and an ideal spot for a seaside
picnic where children can play safely. Walk along the beautiful
coastline back towards St. Osyth leaving the golden beaches for
spectacular views along the sea wall.
Howlands Marsh - An exceptional
area of coastal grazing marsh only a few minutes walk from Park
Hall. It is dissected by reed and sedge filled dykes and fleets and
is bordered by the fringe of saltmarsh outside the seawall. The two
observation hides offer views of the waders and wildfowl on the
reserve. Turn right from Park Chase onto the B1027 and continue past
the village turn off on your left hand side. The layby is a short
distance further on the left hand side. If you prefer you can drive
and park near the Boating Lake in the village and walk west along
the north side of St Osyth Creek, turning north after some 400
yards. This route leads to a hide overlooking the main marsh.
Howlands Marsh
Colne Point Nature Reserve -
Located on the outskirts of the village of St. Osyth, this area is
best known for its summer population of the protected Little Tern.
Also large flocks of Lapwing and Golden Plovers can be spotted in
the winter months. Short Eared Owls frequent the area and you may
even spot Hen Harriers hunting. Peregrines and Merlins also frequent
this area. Access to the reserve is via Lee Wick Lane, a rough but
drivable track through Lee Wick Farm to the sea wall. There is a
designated parking area on the reserve, shortly after the track
crosses the seawall, but caution should be taken when parking there
as this area floods on high spring tides.
Colne Point Nature Reserve
Alresford Creek – One of our all
time favourites. Alresford Creek lies along the eastern bank of the
River Colne in Essex, halfway between Brightlingsea and Wivenhoe.
From the crossroads near Alresford Railway station Ford Lane runs
directly to the creek, and passes the remains of St Mary`s Church,
which was destroyed by fire in 1971. Diving ducks including
Goldeneye can be spotted here at high tide. At other times a good
number of waders will be evident. Beautiful views of the River Colne
make this a superb place to spend a while just taking in the
fabulous bird life. Park by the ford at Alresford Creek and
following the riverside path first west and then north at least as
far as the wood by Alresford Grange. Shortly after the start of the
wood, a footpath off to the right provides the option of completing
a circuit returning along the edge of a complex of flooded pits to
the road, leaving a short walk down to the ford.
Alresford Creek
Holland Haven Country Park -
Situated on the coast between Clacton and Frinton-on-Sea, the County
Park offers over 100 acres of unspoilt scenic coastline and is
managed to conserve the landscape, coastal grazing marsh and
wildlife quality of the area whilst providing for the quiet
enjoyment of visitors. In addition to some interesting breeding
birds in summer, the Country Park is an important point for Spring
and Autumn migrants. The SSSI designation recognises the rare and
varied flora. Signposted from the B1032 at the far end of
Holland-on-Sea. Drive up the access road to the pay-and-display
car-park or walk from a nearby side-road.
Holland Haven Country Park
Hamford Water and the Walton
Backwaters - An area of over 2000 hectares comprising tidal inlets,
islands and saltings representing substantial areas of the Tendring
coastline. Part of this is a National Nature Reserve due to its
outstanding wildlife interest which has led to a number of
international designations. The area also supports a small
population of grey and common seals. There are currently over 70
seals in the Walton backwaters, a small but healthy breeding
population which has risen from only 5 in 1986. A large
pay-and-display car-park with toilets (and café in summer) is
available at The Naze or free parking nearer the town.
Backwaters/Old Boating Lake |
Salt Marsh - Stone Point, The Naze |
