Walton Naze: a Man About Country Story Walk (with Tendring District Council)

_ “I come not from Heaven, but from Essex” _ - William Morris

A village beneath the waves; ghostly bells that warn of great tempests; witches and serpents; scandalous tea parties and orange seals. There's plenty to discover on the Walton backwaters and the Naze Headland, at the far-eastern tip of Essex.

On this story walk, you’ll be guided by storyteller James Lawrence, who will bring the landscape to life with history, folklore and local legends, alongside the plants and wildlife that make this part of the world special.

If you want to know more about the history, stories and places in your local area, while getting some quality time in nature - this walk is for you!

This Story Walk is delivered in association with Tendring District Council, celebrating the many sides of Tendring as part of the beautiful Essex Sunshine Coast. There are countless hidden gems to discover here – some so well kept that even locals may not know them all. Step off the beaten path and uncover the real Tendring through its stories, legends, and stunning natural landscapes. Find out more about the Essex Sunshine Coast here.

Walk Details

• Start time: 12pm
• Start & Finish point : Round Gardens (Site of Martello Tower J),Crescent Rd, Walton-on-the-Naze, CO14 8DR
• Parking : Multiple car parks in Walton town centre, within 5-10min walk of the start point
• Public Transport : Walton-on-the-Naze train station nearby
• Distance : 6.5km
• Duration : 3 hours
• Terrain : Pavement, grass paths, sandy beach
• Amenities: Toilets and refreshments near start point and at Naze Tower (approx halfway through the walk)
• Dogs : Welcome
• Price: Free (donations welcome)
• Questions : james@manaboutcountry.co.uk

About Your Guide

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James Lawrence, AKA Man About Country, is a storyteller, adventurer, naturalist, and Cultural Ambassador for Essex. For over five years he’s led walks around some of Britain’s most fascinating places, guiding people to discover the country like never before. James is fresh off the Essex Ways: a 400km walking adventure around his home county to discover its stories, people and places. He set out to bust the negative media stereotypes and prove that Essex is one of the most fascinating counties in England. After a sell-out storytelling tour around Essex, a film, and a book of Essex stories on the way, James is dedicated to showing how the old stories of Essex are at the heart of the special place it is today, and provide vital guidance on the issues facing the county’s future.

Learn more about James and his recent 400km storytelling adventure around Essex:

• Website : www.manaboutcountry.co.uk/essexways
• Instagram : www.instagram.com/man\_about\_country
• TikTok : www.tiktok.com/@manaboutcountry