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Steps: Ensure you read the warning signs

Around the beginning of the 19th Century Walton started to become a seaside resort.

As the medical benefits of sea air and salt water were promoted Walton boomed and began to rival other towns like Southend for popularity.

The Fossil Cliffs

The coming of the railway and the building of the pier were just what Walton needed.

Thousands of visitors from nearby overcrowded towns made the journey by rail and the pier allowed steam ships to drop off day trippers from London and Ipswich.

Climb the steps to where you started

In around 1830 β€œThe Hotel” was opened, later to become β€œThe Marine Hotel”, which allowed visitors to stay for longer breaks.

Today Walton beach boasts the second longest pier in Britain (Southend being the longest) and thousands of beach huts.

Miles of sandy beaches still prove as popular as ever during the summer months.

• Carry on walking up the beach back towards the Naze.
• When you come to a cafΓ© walk around it to the right and carry on along the beach or the seawall towards the Naze. If you can’t manage stairs or are in a wheelchair go up the slope to the left of the cafΓ© and return to the Naze along the clifftop.
• You will eventually get back to the Naze. Before you climb the steps back up to the cliff top to return to the starting point explore the cliffs at the base of the Naze, how many fossils can you find? (see point two).
• Note at high tide do not attempt to get to the fossil cliffs as there is a risk of being cut off by the tide. Take heed of local notices and check the tide news at http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast/tides/.