Gays on the Naze
7 people attending
13 places left
Join us for a day at the seaside with a 9.5 mile walk on the North Essex Coast.
Please only book on if you know you can make it. Members are missing out on places due to people booking on then booking off a few days before.
This circular walk starts in the genteel little town of Frinton-on-Sea. This is an historic Victorian upmarket seaside resort visited by royalty back in the day and which famously only allowed its first pub in 2000.
We'll head from here along the beachside esplanade passing beach huts and all the way along to the more traditional British seaside resort of Walton-on-the-Naze. Complete with a pier, this has slightly more of a 'kiss me quick' atmosphere!
When leaving Walton, our route will take us to the Naze Tower. Sitting on the Naze Cliffs, this is an 86ft high Grade II-listed tower built in 1720 for navigation. There'll be some time allocated for those wanting to go inside and climb the 111 steps, via some art gallery rooms; over the 5 floors and to the top viewing platform. There are great views of the sea and surrounding countryside from there. An entrance fee of £4.50 per person for this payable there on the day.
From here we will continue our walk along the sadly heavily eroded but fascinating coastline up to some surprisingly wild beaches and marshlands that make up the Naze Nature Reserve. Then looping our way back along some inland water ways and Titchmarsh Boating Marina before arriving back in Walton town.
We'll then head back along the seaside coastline, where there will be an opportunity to stop for ice cream and/or a customary ODL pint (or beverage of your choice!)
This walk is roughly 15.2km (9.5 miles) long and is relatively flat.
Is it dog friendly? Yes!! 4 legged friends are welcome, but please abide by the Countryside Code (https://tinyurl.com/rlqvp3h) and note that dogs aren't allowed in Naze Tower. Please also remember not everyone loves dogs as much as you do so please be mindful of other members.
New Members - We would like to warmly welcome any newbies looking perhaps to try this as their first Outdoor Lads event. You may find this link useful https://www.outdoorlads.com/my-first-event or if you have If you have any questions then feel free to message either of us.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete the Participation Statement, here, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. (If you have recently completed this, you do not need to complete it again.
Photo credits:
Andy Gent - Outdoor Lads member who gives permission to Outdoor Lads to reuse.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres - more if you have a dog with you
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc. Suncream if the sun is going to be shining.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain but on my trial of this walk a lot of the paths and fields were a little muddy so please use waterproof hiking boots if its been a wet week beforehand.
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a ajacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable.
Food & drink
You can bring a packed lunch and snacks . Alternatively, there are shops in both Frinton and Walton together with a small cafe at Naze Tower on route where you can buy some food. Either way, please bring plenty of hydration, especially if its predicted to be a warm day.