Chichester Harbour Conservancy - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Section 1 - Chichester to Appledram Lane South
The route starts at The Cross, Chichester. This is where the main shopping area of North, South, East and West Streets all converge. From the Cross, travel along West Street, passing the Cathedral. Go straight across the roundabout into Westgate and continue. You will need to cross the railway line before continuing into Fishbourne Road East. Please take your time and cross carefully. An underpass brings you out onto Fishbourne Road West (A259). Turn left for a short way and then right onto Appledram Lane South. After about 400m, leave the road and go through the wooden kissing gate on your left. Sections of this route are on public footpaths, please be aware of walkers. The path returns to Appledram Lane South through another kissing gate. Turn left at the Lane and continue to the T-junction.

Section 1 - Amenities
Car parking - there are a number of pay & display car parks in Chichester.
Railway - the main station is just a few minutes from The Cross.
Tourist Information - South Street, Chichester tel: 01243 775888 or visitchichester.org
Pubs & Cafes - there are plenty of cafes and pubs near the start of the route.

 Detailed View of Section 1

Section 2 - Appledram Lane South to Lock Lane
At the T-junction with Dell Quay Lane turn right and then left onto a wide farm road. The route narrows and passes Salterns Copse woodland and then emerges at Chichester Marina. Turn left and travel around the Marina. Shortly after the car barrier turn right and keep on the road alongside Chichester Canal until you reach the second bridge crossing the canal adjacent to the old lock gates.
This is a public footpath, you must dismount and walk over the bridge. Turn right at the end of the tall fence and then continue to the road.

Section 2 - Amenities
Car Parking - a small parking area at the end of Dell Quay Lane. Free visitors' car park at Chichester Marina.
Pubs & cafes - The Crown & Anchor, Dell Quay Lane, turn right at the end of Dell Quay Lane and continue to the harbourside. The Spinnaker - Chichester Marina.
Shops - small general store at Chichester Marina.
Toilets - at Chichester Marina opposite you as you exit Salterns Copse.

Section 3 - Lock Lane to Itchenor Caravan Park
Keep on Lock Lane which becomes Broomers Lane and then Martins Lane. You will come to a junction with Church Lane. Turn right and continue along Church Lane passing the church on your left. Church Lane then becomes Westlands Lane which is a concrete road leading down to a farm. Just before the farm you will see two gates to your left. Go through the small kissing gate and follow the route which crosses fields before coming out next to Itchenor Caravan Park.

 Detailed view of Section 3

Section 4 - Itchenor Caravan Park to Rookwood Road
After passing the Caravan Park go through the wooden gate and turn right onto Itchenor Road. Follow the road round to the right. Pass the church of St Nicholas on your right, 50 yards on turn left. Do not continue down the road to Itchenor Park Farm but take the left turn which goes to the village hall and go through the small wooden gate. Follow the signed path until you come to a junction with a concrete farm road. Turn left on this road and continue until you see the path on the right. The cycle route continues across the field, a gate at the other end takes you through to Sheepwash Lane. Turn right onto Sheepwash Lane. This lane is used by vehicles and horses, please cycle with care. Continue until you come to Rookwood Road.

Section 5 - Rookwood Road to East Head
Turn right onto Rookwood Road. This is a busy road, please cycle with care and watch out for traffic. You will pass a small row of shops, continue on and turn right into Pound Road. Pass the public toilets on your left and bear left onto the road that takes you down to the West Wittering beach car park. This road can be very busy on summer weekends with traffic queuing to get into the car park. Follow the road right down to the car park entrance. Cycle through the car park to the far end. At the end proceed on foot through the five-bar gate and onto East Head.

  Detailed view section 5

Section 5 - Amenities
Car Parking - at West Wittering beach car park see www.westwitteringbeach.co.uk for details.
Shops - a selection of general stores on Rookwood Road.
Toilets - public toilets in Pound Road and at the beach car park.
Pubs & Cafes - the Old House at Home on Rookwood Road. The Beach House on Rookwood Road. Various food outlets at the beach car park. The Ship Inn at Itchenor (continue past the church and along the Itchenor road).
(All maps on this page reproduced from or based upon 2008 Ordnance Survey material with permission of the Controller of HMSO (c) Crown Copyright reserved. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings West Sussex County Council Licence No. 100023447.)