Sun, Sea and Sand (plus Saltmarshes, Spinneys and Sailboats) (West Sussex)
27 people attending
3 places left
Bosham, West Itchenor and West Wittering: classy, captivating and celebrated; three villages that epitomise Chichester Harbour and its appeal. The surroundings of these jaunty, yachty places are equally lovely: waterside spinneys of twisting oaks, broad marshes of rustling reeds, wide tracts of slurping mudflats, open fields of ripening wheat, quiet paths of teeming hedgerows and busy stretches of sparkling sea, all beneath spacious skies of exalting blue. Plus, as a bonus, a famous beach of shimmering sand. Upon this beach we can eat ice creams, gaze out to sea, or stroll towards the water for a swim. And, on top of all this, an exhilarating but brief ferryboat crossing - twice!
More information:
Chichester Harbour AONB: 'Chichester Harbour is one of the few remaining undeveloped coastal areas in Southern England and remains relatively wild. 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. Very large populations of wildfowl and waders use the mudflats feeding on the rich plant life and the huge populations of intertidal invertebrates.' (From Wikipedia)
Bosham: 'Deservedly, the best-known village around Chichester Harbour: a close-packed huddle of cottages at the waterside, as intricate as a Cornish village, but built to a softer Sussex colour scheme' (Ian Nairn). Holy Trinity Church is Saxon, but most of the structure is 12th and 13th century, 'humble outside, majestic inside'. A daughter of King Cnut is buried in the church having drowned in the Mill Brook adjacent, and Harold Godwinson prayed there before setting sail to offer allegiance to Duke William of Normandy in 1064 (hence the church's appearance on the Bayeux Tapestry identified as BOSHAM: ECCLESIA). Brook House is 1743, grade II-listed, and many dwellings of all sizes and ages are delightful.
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)
West Wittering: 'Suave houses in moderate gardens with a lot of trees around...a high-class arcadia...very pretty indeed' (Ian Nairn). St Peter and St Paul Church, badly restored in the 19th century, but it still has many worthwhile pieces from the 11th, 12th and 13th.
East Head: '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)]. Or just admire the yachts that anchor off the northern end, where you may spot the occasional seal.' (From the National Trust website)
The route is figure of 8-shaped, so the outward journey is in two parts:
From Bosham to West Itchenor: Heading south from Bosham Station we'll reach the A259, cross it, then head across fields to reach the northern end of Bosham Channel. We'll soon enter Bosham and walk around it. We'll then round Bosham Creek and continue south around the western side of Bosham Peninsula. We'll then be at the ferry path to board the ferry to go to West Itchenor.
From West Itchenor to East Head (West Wittering): After the ferry has delivered us all, in smaller groups, to West Itchenor, we'll walk along Chichester Channel, past Chalkdock Point and Ella Nore and finally reach East Head beach for a late picnic (unless you'd like to eat earlier) and a laze on the beach and a swim, if you want.
And the return journey is in two parts too:
From East Head back to West Itchenor: We'll leave the beach and head to West Wittering. We'll then walk a little way along the B2179 before turning off to follow Sheepwash Lane and Salterns Way across fields back to West Itchenor. We'll then take the ferry back across Chichester Channel to its landing place near Bosham Hoe.
From Bosham Hoe back to Bosham: Quiet lanes (such as Hoe Lane and Taylor's Lane) and footpaths will take us across fields and the A259 back to Bosham Station. There is a choice of pub stops to be had before catching the train: either The Berkeley Arms or The White Swan.
(A note about the ferry: it is small, doubles as a water taxi for yachtspeople and picks up passengers when hailed rather than to a timetable. As a result, there may be a wait in both directions while we all get across. Each way is £2.50, so please bring £5 cash.)
All images are from Google Image Search and are 'Free to share and use'.
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. It is still quite long, so wear thick socks to avoid blisters.
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 West Wittering beach, please bring swimwear and a towel.
Money: Please bring £5 cash for the ferry crossings (£2.50 each way).
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink. There is a Co-Op in Bosham near the starting point, and there are pubs and cafes, and ice cream vans/shacks in Bosham, West Itchenor and West Wittering.