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A Walker’s Guide - Chichester Harbour

DirectionsAll the walks were tested in 2007. However, please note that some footpaths may be diverted andbuildings such as pubs may have changed their name since the walks were written. If you have anycomments please send them to the Harbour Office to be considered for the next edition.

Distances and TimingsAll distances and timings are approximate.

MapsThe maps provided are a guide and are not to scale. Please use OS Explorer Map 120 (Chichester).

Map ReferencesThe reference given is for the start point of the walk.

Public TransportBuses: Stagecoach run most of the local buses. Timetable details are atwww.stagecoachbus.com/south or telephone 0871 200 22 33 (10p per minute).For the Selsey – Itchenor service see www.compass-travel.co.ukTrains: Timetable information is at www.nationalrail.co.uk or telephone 08457 48 49 50.

Stiles and GatesPlease note stiles are gradually being replaced with gates where appropriate. This may affect someof the walk directions and photos.

TidesPlease note some paths are flooded at high tide. If you have misjudged the times, you usually onlyhave to wait a short while before the path is clear enough to use. Tide times can be found atwww.conservancy.co.uk or from the Harbour Office, please note these are only a prediction andfactors such as low pressure can make the tide higher than expected.

Tourist InformationChichester: www.visitchichester.org or telephone 01243 775888.Hayling Island: www.visithavant.co.uk or telephone 023 9246 7111.

WeatherPlease check the weather before starting your walk and take the appropriate clothing.Weather forecasts can be found at www.conservancy.co.uk or from the local tourist offices.

AcknowledgementsAll walks were written and photographed by Ali Beckett for Chichester Harbour Conservancy.Design work on the book was undertaken by Dan Vear and Graham Martin at Designline.The walks were tested by willing volunteers: Roger & Sheila Bleasby, Stella Briggs, Peter Cameron,Jan Colgate, Rodney & Jackie Dugga, Adrian & Josette Fox, Ken & Margaret Harry, Eric & ChristineHinkley, Ted & Ros Honeyman, Kerry Jackson, Jazmin Kelly, John Kendall, Joan Langhorne, LesleyMann, Coralie Murphy, Roger Palmer, Patrick Pead, Tony Probert, Jill & Tony Radnor, Sally Rumfitt,Peter & Judy Stern, Peter Taylor, Jim & Ann Tice, Richard Tully, Bill Walker, Colin Webb, Bill Witts.Funding was generously provided by the Friends of Chichester Harbour, Chichester Harbour Trustand Chichester Harbour Sustainable Development Fund.

Useful Information

A Walker’s Guide - Chichester Harbour

Images

©Aardman

Animations

Ltd2004

• Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs

Even when going out locally, it’s best to get the latest information about where and whenyou go; for example, your rights to go onto some areas of open land may be restrictedwhile work is carried out, for safety reasons or during breeding seasons. Follow advice andlocal signs, and be prepared for the unexpected.

• Leave gates and property as you find them

Please respect the working life of the countryside, as our actions can affect people’slivelihoods, our heritage, and the safety and welfare of animals and ourselves.

• Protect plants and animals and take your litter home

We have a responsibility to protect our countryside, so make sure you don’t harm animals,birds, plants or trees.

• Keep dogs under control

The countryside is a great place to exercise dogs, but it’s every owner’s duty to makesure their dog is not a danger or nuisance to farm animals, wildlife or other people.

• Consider other people

Showing consideration and respect for other people makes the countryside a pleasantenvironment for everyone – at home, at work and at leisure.

www.conservancy.co.uk March 2008

Walk 5 - West Wittering to Itchenor CircularWalk 5 - West Wittering to Itchenor Circular

This walk starts in the pretty village of West Wittering,

following a little used lane down to the shoreline. From

the shoreside footpath there are fine views across to

Bosham and the South Downs. The second half of the

walk passes through a farm and across fields to

complete the circuit. The walk is 7.5km or if you take

the extended route into Itchenor it is 8.5km.

Walk 5

West Wittering toItchenor Circular

Start PointOld House at Home pub, Pound Road, West Wittering.

By RoadTake the A286 towards Witterings and follow signsfor West Wittering Beach. Park in Rookwood Roadnear the Old House at Home pub.

By BusService 52 or 53 Chichester to the Witterings. Bus stopson both sides of the road near the Old House at Home.

RefreshmentsOld House at Home, West Wittering. The Beach House restaurant,Rookwood Road or if you take the extended walk The Ship Inn, Itchenor.

ToiletsIn Pound Road, West Wittering.

TidesThe path between points 2 and 3 floods if the tide is higher than 4.5m.Start the walk at least an hour before or after high tide.

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Walk DirectionsFrom the Old House at Home in Rookwood Road, look for the large brownsigns to West Wittering Beach on the corner of Pound Road. Turn intoPound Road and take the first right – Ellanore Lane 1 . This is a littleused lane which leads down to the shoreline.

Footpath

Walk Route

Extended Route

Bus Stop

2524

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2

1

2

3

45

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N

7.5km/4.5 miles 2.5 hours Map Ref. SZ 780 985 - Ordnance Survey Explorer 120

www.conservancy.co.uk March 2008

2726

At the end of the lane go through the gate 2straight ahead of you and bear right onto theshoreline path. The path is a bit uneven at firstbut soon flattens out.

After a while the path turns inland, then leftthrough a small area of housing. Look out forthe footpath sign next to a private driveway 3that takes you back to the shoreline.

Continue along the path, looking out for BoshamChurch in the distance. Eventually you will pass a pond on your right –Horse Pond. Keep going for a few more minutes, as you come into awooded area, take the footpath to your right 4 .

Extended RouteIf you want to continue into Itchenor then instead of turning right keepfollowing the shoreline, crossing Northshore Boatyard and then coming outby the Harbour Office. Turn right up the road, passing The Ship Inn.Continue up the road, watching out for traffic. Turn right through the whitegates, just before the village hall, then take the footpath immediately toyour left. Continue the route from point 5.

At the end of the path, cross a stile and bear left up the track whichbecomes a concrete road.

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Extra Items ofInterest

SaltmarshIf you are walking with thetide partially out you will seesaltmarsh especially whenyou first come onto theshoreline from Ellanore Lane.Saltmarsh is found on theupper part of the intertidalarea. It is made up of plantsthat can cope with beingregularly under saltwater.Different types of plants growat different levels. Nearer thedeepwater channel there isGlasswort and CommonCordgrass. Towards the land,Saltmarsh Grass and thepurple flowered Thrift and SeaLavender grow. The saltmarshis at its most colourfulbetween June–August.

Measured Half MileWalking along the shore lookout for two tall posts in thewater with a cross on top.These are one end of the‘measured half mile’. Out ofseason, motorboats can getpermission to test theirengines in this area of theharbour. When they line upthe crosses on the two poststhey are at the start of thehalf mile which finishes whenthey pass the second set oflined up posts.

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Just before you reach thefarm buildings, turn rightfollowing the footpath over astile, with a low cobbledbarn on your left. The paththen bears left through agap in the wall. Turn righthere and then left at thecrossroads.Just before the white gatesturn right to pick up thefootpath 5 . If you reach thevillage hall you have gone too far.

Follow this path across fields until youreach the farm road. The path to your left isthe Salterns Way cycle route.

Cross over the farm road and follow the footpath over twofields, this section can be very muddy, until you come outonto Sheepwash Lane 6 . Turn right and keep going until youcome to Rookwood Road. Note this section of SheepwashLane is shared with the Salterns Way cycle route.

At Rookwood Road turn right. If you are getting the bus back,you will shortly see bus stops on both sides of the road. Ifnot continue along, taking care as it can be a busy road. Youwill pass some shops and the village hall and then you areback at your car.

Walk 5 - West Wittering to Itchenor CircularWalk 5 - West Wittering to Itchenor Circular

www.conservancy.co.uk March 2008