Disabled
Chichester Harbour Conservancy firmly believe that the Harbour should be enjoyed by everyone. Most of the villages have access at some point to the Harbour for persons with limited physical ability.
Below are some ideas for suitable activities.
Walking / Wheelchair / All-Terrain Wheelchairs / Activities / Sailing / Harbour Education Centre
Walking / Wheelchair
There are five paths with wheelchair surfaces that also make for easy walking and one, the Salterns Way, that is suitable for all-terrian wheelchairs.
Cobnor
Leading to Cobnor Point, this path takes in some of the best views of the Harbour. The path starts from Cobnor Activities Centre where you will find a small parking area for disabled badge holders. There is a toilet with RADAR key access. A large print leaflet explaining the walk is available from the Harbour Office. A braille copy can be borrowed from the Harbour Office.
Itchenor
Follow signs to Northshore boatyard at Itchenor where you will find some disabled parking spaces near the shoreline. A short path takes you to a viewpoint opposite Cobnor. The nearest wheelchair accessible toilet is outside the Harbour Office at Itchenor - a two minute drive from Northshore.
Prinsted
Start from the shoreline by the Southbourne Sea Scouts Hut, Prinsted. From there a hard surfaced path goes east for a short way. There is parking for a few cars near the start of the path.
North Common, Northney
A good stretch of wheelchair path (600 meters) takes in some fine views across to Langstone and Emsworth with the South Downs in the distance. Parking is in a small public car park - note there is a 2m height barrier at the entrance. Entrance to the path is either through a box gate or there is a five-bar gate which can be unlocked with a RADAR key. The surfaced path ends at the wooden bench beyond which it is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Sandy Point, Hayling Island
This is a short stretch of path (250 meters) which ends a good point for viewing all the sailing activity at the harbour entrance. There is parking nearby for a couple of disabled badge holders but you will need to get a permit before you park. Call Mike Baker at Hayling Island Sailing Club on 023 9246 3768. A disabled toilet is available in the Sailing Club.
Please check the Programme of Guided Walks and Activities to see if there are any in the current programme specifically for disabled persons.
All-Terrain Wheelchairs
A landeez wheelchair with balloon wheels is available for use around the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Contact the Harbour Office for more details or to book.
On the Water
Solar Heritage
A 50 seater solar powered boat with wheelchair lift. Either join one of our scheduled trips or the boat can be chartered by private groups.
Visiting
Itchenor - There is a ramp with easy access to the viewing platform overlooking the Itchenor channel. Free disabled badge holders parking is in the main pay & display car park. A wheelchair accessible toilet is near to the viewing platform.
West Wittering Beach - disabled badge holders are offered a reduced rate of £1 per day at the beach car park.
Dell Quay - A RADAR toilet is situated on the Quay.
Activities / Sailing
Try Cobnor Activities Centre who have accommodation and boats, both motor and sailing to facilitate those with mobility impairment. Tel: 01243 572791.
Contact Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club (tel: 01243 372523) for information on the hoist on the jetty at Emsworth to assist people getting into their boats.
Langstone Sailability provide lots of opportunities for disabled people to get out on the water, contact the secretary on 023 9264 1815. The club is integrated wih Langstone Sailing Club who have a wheelchair lift to provide access to the bar and clubroom.
Harbour Education Centre
The centre is equipped with disabled facilities so please join in the activities based there as part of our year round programme.
Alternatively sessions can be booked to cater for specific groups. For example sessions have been held for visually-impaired groups. For more details contact the harbour office.
Field Trips
The Harbour Education Service works extensively with special needs groups, either arranging field trips to the harbour or coming to your school.
Maps
A braille map of the Harbour is available from the Harbour Office for £2. Telephone 01243 512301.
