Places to Anchor with a nice beach ?

[dolabriform]

Hi All

Any suggestions for place to anchor that have a nice beach close by that the kids can kayak / swim to?

I can only think of:
Stone Point ( Walton Backwaters ) although the tide can be a bit strong there.
The Rocks ( Deben )
Wrabness, though we haven't been ashore there.

Thanks

David

 

[Capt Popeye]

'The Tips' waldringfield used to be a favourite of ours , many many years ago now ; duno what its like now , but surely is still quite remote from any passing river traffic , as the only acces that I am aware of is via a small craft or Tractor from the local Farm ; drys right out though

 

[Cobra]

If you drop down to the Colne, on the Starboard side as you are coming in you will see the large area of sand and shingle we refer to as Second Beach. It is Essex Naturalist Trust land, but out of nesting season or below high tide level you are OK as long as you are sensible and respect the flora and fauna then you are OK. On top of tide you can anchor close in to the beach, but from about half tide ebb it gets shallow shelving very gently with a fairly firm sand/mud bottom. When the kids were younger, we used to use it as an excuse to do a quick scrub while they mucked about on the beach.
As an alternative, drop over into the Blackwater and drop your hook off Bradwell beach. Again a nice sandy/shingle beach which is great for the kids to swim from.

 

[MikeBz]

If you drop down to the Colne, on the Starboard side as you are coming in you will see the large area of sand and shingle we refer to as Second Beach. It is Essex Naturalist Trust land, but out of nesting season or below high tide level you are OK as long as you are sensible and respect the flora and fauna then you are OK.

There are marker boards with arrows showing the (shortish) section of beach which you are allowed to land on. Many years ago some friends of mine drifted onto the verboten part of Second Beach when their dinghy mast broke - some Naturalists (not Naturists) immediately sprinted over the top of the marshlands which they were supposed to be protecting and told them in no uncertain terms that they had to leave IMMEDIATELY. The point that making a sailing dinghy travel into the wind without a mast or oars was technically unfeasible was quite lost on them.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

Stutton Point on the north side of The Stour near the Royal Hospital School isn't bad. If you study the chart, there is a rather large "hole" of water to anchor in.

 

[nortada]

Hi All

Any suggestions for place to anchor that have a nice beach close by that the kids can kayak / swim to?

I can only think of:
Stone Point ( Walton Backwaters ) although the tide can be a bit strong there.
The Rocks ( Deben )
Wrabness, though we haven't been ashore there.

Thanks

David

Wrabness is a bit muddy.

 

[Troublesome Reach]

Osea Island was always a favourite or ours

Horse Sands (Felixstowe Ferry) best beach but only for around 2 hours in every 6 during springs, there’s usually a spare mooring to hang onto nearby.

 

[Cobra]

There are marker boards with arrows showing the (shortish) section of beach which you are allowed to land on. Many years ago some friends of mine drifted onto the verboten part of Second Beach when their dinghy mast broke - some Naturalists (not Naturists) immediately sprinted over the top of the marshlands which they were supposed to be protecting and told them in no uncertain terms that they had to leave IMMEDIATELY. The point that making a sailing dinghy travel into the wind without a mast or oars was technically unfeasible was quite lost on them.

I think you have to head along to Clacton to Lee over Sands for the Naturists Mike!
My understanding is that below High Water Mark the ENT are not too bothered as long as you don't start barbecues etc. I have never had them try to chase me off when we have been parked up for a mid season scrub!

 

[Habebty]

Stutton Point on the north side of The Stour near the Royal Hospital School isn't bad. If you study the chart, there is a rather large "hole" of water to anchor in.

Yes, had a look at that a couple of weeks ago, nice spot.

At Wrabness, bear in mind the beach is private above the HW mark.

 

[DavidonMersea]

The western end of the beach at West Mersea

 

[fredrussell]

Harkstead beach on the Stour, shallow though - don’t stay too long!