There are currently over 70 seals in the Walton backwaters, a small but healthy breeding population which has risen from only 5 in 1986.
The colony of both harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) are unusually of a russet colouration for much of the year due to the iron oxide rich mud that they haul out onto.
The seals enjoy resting on the mudbanks, and prefer regions where rivers flow into the sea, like the backwaters, because these waters are permanently ice-free.
Walton Backwaters, Ransome Country
Berth 2 days 1 night 30 points
Bareboat as per points table
Ransome's Secret Water Trips
Berth 2 days 1 night 45 points
Kids go Free
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Walton Backwaters are a gentle 3 hour sail from Pin Mill. This is a great rip on which to bring the children. Read them Arthur Ransome's Secret Water then explore the creeks that inspired the story.
Hamford Water and the Walton Backwaters is an area of tidal creeks, mudflats, islands, salt marshes and marsh grasslands.
This area is recognised internationally and is designated as a National Nature Reserve. It is an internationally important breeding ground for Little Terns and wintering ground for Dark-bellied Brent Geese, wild foul and waders.
It also supports communities of coastal plants which are extremely rare in Britain including Hog’s Fennel.
It is on the migration route for many bird species and provides wintering grounds for Brent Geese, Godwit, Redshank, Shelduck, Teal and Avocet and breeding grounds for terns.
In addition, there are nationally important numbers of Wigeon, Pintail, Ringed Plover, Curlew, and Dunlin. During migration in the autumn and spring, the Naze is a prime bird watching site. Curlew Sandpipers are regularly seen along the beach, with Gannets and arctic Skuas passing offshore.
We can find an anchorage for Saturday or meander our way down the Twizzle to Titchmarsh Marina. We can't guarantee the sunset but we can guarantee a great weekend.For a taster have a look at the first section of the blog from our trip in August .
Expenses
Members share all expenses including, diesel, marina fees, food, etc.
