For the first time in many years I did not have work, pipe band or Covid
reasons for missing the Wey & Arun canal sponsored walk. Sue and I headed
to the the area south of Chichester above Pagham harbour for what promised to
be a warm sunny day.
We set out early to make sure we could mitigate any traffic issues, and as
there were none we were one of the first to arrive at the church hall
(successfully hidden to the side of the lane) having missed it the first time
past. No rush to get get ready, we hung around until the checkpoint crew were
ready, and we registered to receive our guide leaflet.
We left along church farm road, continuing as it bent around, past Christian's
Barn, into the fields beyond.
Turning into the fields onto a path masquerading as cycle path #88. We passed
New Barn with a zigzag to read a minor road.
At the road we saw two hares running away up the road before I had a chance to
get the camera out. Across the open field beyond, then turning along the
hedge.
The path narrowed as it passed between properties to open out at Sidlesham Quay
to the harbour beyond. We continued past the Crab and Lobster pub and up Mill
Lane (I would have continued around the coast path, but the guide took us
inland)
Turning off the lane onto a driveway and then into a salt marsh field at
Halsey's farm.
Back at the edge of Pagham harbour, we stepped up onto Pagham Wall with views
across the mud and marsh of the salt flats beyond.
Following the wall around the edge of the salt flats, until reaching a set of
steps dropping down to the inland side and a kissing gate into grazing land.
Beyond Honer farm, we joined a lane heading north. This was a bog of a flog with
only occasional views through breaks in the hedges into huge fields being
ploughed. Another hare in the wheat field and a buzzard circling above provided
alternative spectacle.
A brief break at the refreshment stop provided some distraction from the lane,
which we followed to South Mundham, where we swung left onto a path between the
houses.
Into the fields beyond the village and after a zigzag through a fence, to
approach Fisher farm, and then up the farm drive.
Turning left down a driveway before verging right across arable fields on the
edge of Chichester golf course. The path merges onto a farm track beyond the
golf course reservoirs.
A zigzag through manor house, passing the remans of a party from last night, to
the St. Leodegar's church pond beyond.
Beside the church car park (a field) we passed through an overgrown path to the
Hunston playing fields. The other side of the B2145 was the village hall where
lunch was waiting.
We did the double shuffle for our lunch bag and drink to manage Bertie, before
re-crossing back to the playing fields to have our picnic sat on the grass.
After the lunch break debris was cleared away/ recycled we left the hall and
curved around behind through the housing estate to meet up with the former
Selsey Tramway route behind the last row of houses. Some of these had chosen to
continue their gardens across the path with lots of bright colours.
In contrast further along the hedges closed in on both sides and got very narrow
until it reached the access point for bridge 7 on the Chichester canal where the
tramway used to cross it.
Along the canal away from Chichester, at this stage the canal was clear and
navigable by paddle boards, however after crossing the B2201 it got more clogged
with trees and weed in places as we passed the site of Dudley swing bridge.
The path was now narrower and places to pass few and far between, especially for
the numerous bikes coming the other way, as we followed the canal to the main
A286 road at Cutfield bridge
On the other side of the road we walked between the canal and the marina
driveway, over the hedge you could just see the remains of Casher Lock.
Leaving the busy driveway at the visitors car park and walking around the edge
of the marina and its huge collection of sailing craft.
At the harbour wall we turned across the end of the marina
Crossing the sea lock (in time to see the outer gates open), and on through the
visitors centre and its retail opportunities.
Meeting up with the canal route once again, passing the houseboats. Turning over
the walkway of Saltern's Lock, we continued through the residential area to
Birdham pool marina. We missed the turn (I blame the crowds and music) onto the
footpath beside the pond beyond the marina, and continued through the yard
before realisation hit as we reached the lane beyond.
Retracing our path back through the yard (and the huge party going on at the
club house). On the correct route beside the pond.
Emerging onto Broomers lane and the welcome sight of the second refreshment
stop. Sue was especially grateful for the chairs and cake. Beyond Broomer farm
we turned into a new field, and around to come out at the A286 once more.
Crossing over the busy road and after a short section on the lane opposite we
turned into a wheat field. This continued through the huge field, including a
section across the crops.
The fields continued (this was the afternoon version of the lanes section from
the morning). The track here was through flattened grass hiding a rough surface
beneath, making for hard going. Eventually some relief from the sun as we moved
into the shade of some trees. The brambles had been chopped back but the debris
lined the path floor much to Bertie's displeasure.
The path merges into Jury lane beside some mobile homes then a semi-industrial
area. Across the B2201 and into Sidlesham Common and down another path mined
with chopped brambles to come out at the B2145 .
Leaving the road behind down a lane we met up with the Tramway path once again
and turned into a field - more wheat reflecting the heat of the sun. The path
merged into a lane after it left the field - the outskirts of Sidlesham
The lane ended at the Anchor pub, where we avoided the B2145 down Church lane
Through the grounds of St Mary's and out the other side, then the return to the
church hall along the lane we had started out on.
Back at the hall to sign off and a welcome drink (and cake), before the drive home.
