98A, 7, 9 – Clacton to Walton-on-the-Naze

As the bus departs from Clacton Pier Avenue, the town’s bustling centre fades into view, framed by charming rows of traditional seaside shops and cafés. The scent of salt lingers in the air, carried from the nearby promenade where the grand Clacton Pier stretches into the water, a timeless icon of the town. On your right, the distant horizon glimmers, the sea merging seamlessly with the sky on bright days. The streets are lively with locals and tourists, giving the town a pleasant vibrancy.

Heading toward Clacton Railway Station, neat suburban streets emerge, lined with red-brick houses and manicured front gardens. The station itself is modest yet functional, with trains gliding in and out, offering glimpses of people embarking on their journeys. The 98 bus goes straight to Kiby Cross (Halstead Road) before continuing to Kirby Le Soken then deviating southwards to Frinton Elm Tree Avenue before venturing back northerly to Walton on Naze.

The 97 bus, meanwhile, leaves Clacton and reaches Holland on Sea, where it follows the coastal road for a stretch, offering stunning views of the North Sea. Here, the cliffs rise gently, and beach huts dot the seafront, their bright pastel colours contrasting beautifully with the rugged shoreline. The scene feels peaceful, with walkers and cyclists enjoying the sea breeze. The bus turns inland onto Brighton Road, and you pass quiet residential streets with a mix of modern homes and older seaside cottages.

At Kirby Cross, a quaint village atmosphere takes over. The bus deviates briefly down Halstead Road, passing stretches of open green fields and clusters of trees.

The bus enters Frinton on Sea, renowned for its well-preserved Edwardian charm. Along the Triangle, there are tidy streets with manicured hedges, large houses, and well-kept lawns. Frinton’s atmosphere is calm, with a sense of understated elegance.

Continuing to Walton on the Naze, the scenery becomes more coastal again, with glimpses of marshland and sandy beaches. As the bus approaches Walton’s seafront, you see beachgoers and the iconic pier stretching into the water. The view is idyllic, a mix of coastal beauty and small-town charm, perfectly capturing the essence of this seaside journey.