Harbour to Shore: A Wittering Walk to Adore
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If you're looking for a perfect summer walk now that Frensham Great Pond is closed due to an algal bloom, try this seaside alternative. Starting in Chichester, we'll follow the calm, tree-lined Chichester Canal south until it opens into Chichester Harbour, sparkling, spacious and special. We'll stroll past Birdham’s marinas and along Itchenor’s winding lanes, with seabirds calling overhead and sails on the horizon. We'll end our journey on the golden sands of West Wittering, ready for a refreshing swim and some seaside sun. This is a linear walk and we can relax on the bus back. Fresh air, fine views, and a frolic in the surf make this hastily-written alternative a worthy one.
The sights:
Birdham: Some pleasant houses, especially the Westlands Estate. Birdham Pool was a tidal mill pond but became one of the first public marinas in the country in 1946. Chichester Marina is the chief attraction: a big rectangular harbour with sleek yachts along pontoons, created in 1966. St James' Church is big and bulky C14 but harshly restored in 1882.
Chichester Harbour AONB: 'Chichester Harbour is one of the few remaining undeveloped coastal areas in Southern England...Its wide expanses and intricate creeks are at the same time a major wildlife haven and among some of Britain's most popular boating waters. The massive stretch of tidal flats and saltings are of outstanding ecological significance.' (From Wikipedia)
West Itchenor: 'One short, nicely unpretentious street of cottages, mostly 18th century, running down to the water's edge.' (Ian Nairn, The Buildings of England: Sussex). Huge waterside properties all around. From 1744 to the early C19 warships where intermittently made there.
West Wittering: An attractive and exclusive village with large thatched houses and villas set in large gardens. Cakeham Manor was once a palace of the bishops of Chichester, now an attractive group of medieval, Tudor and Georgian parts. The tall brick tower of the early C16 stands out amid the flat fields.
East Head and West Wittering Beach: 'One of the last surviving pieces of natural coastline in West Sussex. East Head is an example of the nationally rare and fragile, yet dynamic sand-dune habitat. Walk, play and sunbathe on the beach, which is considered one of the best in Sussex [it has Blue Flag status (see the website)].' (From the National Trust website)
Dogs:
I love having dogs on my walks and this walk is suitable for them. Dogs are excluded from the main swimming beach at West Wittering but are allowed nearby. There are dog waste bins. Warm weather could be exhausting for dogs although we are close to water most of the way. Any dog off its lead must be under control.
The route (please click on the link to see it):
Starting at Chichester Railway Station, we'll follow the New Lipchis Way all the way along the canal to the beach. After the beach, we'll walk to Cakeham Road to catch the bus back to Chichester.
(Picture credits: Beach huts on West Wittering shoreline: Photo © Dave Spicer (cc-by-sa/2.0)West Wittering, Sand Dunes and Beach: Photo © David Dixon (cc-by-sa/2.0). All images are licensed for use under CC-SA-BY2.0.)
What to bring
Footwear: The countryside is level and the season is the summer, so you could probably do this walk in walking shoes rather than boots. There will be a little shingle beach walking.
Sun protection: If sunshine is forecast, apply and bring a high-factor suncream, possibly a hat, and sunglasses, as much of the walk is exposed.
Swimming: If you wish to swim at the beach, please bring swimwear and a towel.
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink (2 litres at least are recommended). Hot and cold drinks, and chips and burgers are available at the beach at mid-afternoon.