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Walton Backwaters and Hamford Water is an area of tidal creeks, mudflats, islands, salt marshes and marsh grasslands. The public footpath which runs along much of the seawall is a great vantage point for the many species of wildlife, including birds, insects and even seals.

Carry on along the backwaters

You should spot the backwaters before you arrive as the clatter of the masts from the many yachts will greet you as you come up from the Nature Reserve. As you get nearer take a look at the many water activities going on.

Like the nature reserve, the backwaters are hugely popular with bird watchers, it is an internationally important breeding ground for Little Terns and a wintering ground for Dark-bellied Brent Geese, wild fowl and waders. It also supports communities of coastal plants which are extremely rare in Britain including Hog’s Fennel.

The Backwaters are also home to a colony of around 70 seals. Both harbour seals and grey seals can often be spotted resting on the mudflats.

From point four you can see Harwich and on a clear day you may even spot the lighthouse at Southwold.

• Continue along the path in the direction of Walton town keeping the broader expanses of the Walton Backwaters on the right.
• You will eventually come to The Foundry and a holiday park