Date: Sat 14 June
Start: Chichester Cathedral
Start Time: 9.30
Distance: Two options – 8.5 & 4 miles
Terrain: As flat as a pancake

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There’s something timeless about a walk beside the sea — the call of gulls overhead, the scent of salt on the breeze, and the soothing rhythm of waves against the shore. To capture that feeling, this delightful linear walk traces the coastline from Pagham to Bracklesham Bay, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and seaside nostalgia.

Starting out, we’ll follow parts of the King Charles III England Coastal Path and the old Selsey Tramway, walking around the edge of both Pagham Harbour and the wonderfully wild, open expanse of Medmerry Nature Reserve. Along the way, there will be plenty of birds to spot and the new Periwinkle Shelter to find and discuss. It’s a tribute to the shoreline’s past but it has also brought out the art critic in everyone who passes it by!

Midway through, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch at Sidlesham Quay, the idyllic spot in the photo above. This is conveniently close to the Crab and Lobster pub, should anyone fancy a drink or need a toilet break.

By the time we reach Bracklesham Bay, the tide will be on the ebb. With luck, this will mean we can walk the final mile along the sand — perhaps in bare feet (so it’s worth packing a small towel or a pair of flip flops). Finally, no visit to the seaside in summer is complete without an ice cream…… while we wait for the bus home.

Logistics

Meet: Chichester Cathedral (former Army and Navy store side) to catch the 09.42 No. 600 bus to Bognor via Pagham

Drinks/Toilet: At the Crab and Lobster pub Sidelsham

Bus Option 1 (Short Walk): The No. 51 bus from Sidlesham Nature Reserve (where our path crosses the main road) back to Chichester. There are 3 buses an hour on a Saturday.

Bus Option 2 (Long Walk): The No.52/3 back to Chichester from East Wittering/Bracklesham Bay. There are 2 buses an hour on a Saturday…& a couple of ice cream shops near the bus stop.

Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome.

Rural Strides

“Rural Strides is a unique walking experience. Routes are thoughtfully planned to highlight the beautiful and varied landscape of the Western Weald in every season, with insights into the local history, geology and nature shared along the way. Malinka is an exceptional leader: her enthusiasm, knowledge and humour bring people together, and her walks are full of interest, laughter and good conversation.”

Read more about the Western Weald here

Find other walks here