The recent heatwave was continuing and so walking required an early
start, and some consideration for shade. I had planned a route on the coast,
starting at Itchenor dropping down to East Wittering, then back along the
coast around the promontory.
We parked in the large car park at West Itchenor (paying for a day's stay - on
an app as the machine did not take cards). Then across the back road we had
arrived on to drop down the lane to the sailing club, and the jetties beyond.
We had been along here before when we walked around to Bosham, and finding the
way brought back memories of those days. We worked around the coast path, before
it cut off between some houses.
The path followed a private drive through this rich housing estate, then
branched off next to Westlands Copse.
Next to Westlands Farm we turned onto the Salterns way (a cycle track coming
from Chichester) - this had amended the route slightly, but it continued around
maize fields until it reached a caravan park.
Around the caravan park and out onto the back road again. We followed the road
down to a Y-junction with the B2179 where we crossed over to a track on the
other side.
The track led into crop fields, which we followed on a path around the edge of
some large fields,
coming out at an industrial park, after circumnavigating a huge house and
garden. From here we picked up the back road to East Wittering.
We followed the back road into East Wittering, crossing the high street, and
down to the beach.
Arriving at the shingle beach with views out to the English Channel, and Isle
of Wight and Portsmouth to the right.
Portsmouth and the tower in the distance, as well as the cliffs on the Isle of
Wight.
We dropped down to the sea and walked along the edge heading for the spit at the
end of the beach.
Bertie is still suspicious f the waves, but liked the pools.
The Portsmouth tower in the distance, as we moved along the car park, with the
beach getting busier.
Up around the end of the spit, and we could see up to the hills of the downs.
Looking up the chichester channel to show Thorney and Chidham peninsulas
Turning back down the northern side of the spit, with some yachts resting while
waiting for the tide.
Turnign completely around and back to the car park at the end of West Wittering
- this side of the dunes had a wide marked path.
The approach to the car park, where we continued around the edge of the inlet.
We were now on the New Lipschis way.
The NLW followed a bank above the inlet, with views back to car park which was
getting much fuller.
Continuing along the path, with a short stop for Bertie to have a dip in a small
stream.
Leaving the last of the West Wittering buildings, we followed the path north
back to the channel.
Looking over Ella Nore from the bird hide, before following the path between
hedges above the shore.
Following the contortions of the coast as it dipped inland for a stream.
Beside Rookswood house we had to bend around the houses following a tight hedge
lined path, before escaping back to the shore, and its raised path.
As we gradually came around we could see more of the south downs
A pleasant change as the path moved through the shade of a copse of trees,
before coming out with views across to Chidham and Bosham
Approaching the marina of Itchenor
before we cut off down a new track that went in the direction of the car
park.
