5 Best Coastal Walks In West Sussex You Need to Admire On Your Staycation
Where are the best coastal walks in West Sussex? You’d be neither the first nor the last to pose the question. But given the intense natural beauty of this coastal county, the simple response is ‘almost anywhere’. Both West Sussex and neighbouring East Sussex are home to sandy beaches, shingle stretches, pebble beaches and towering white cliffs looking out over the English Channel – all in all, it’s rather heavenly for long hikes or serene strolls.
So, to make it a bit easier to narrow things down from ‘almost anywhere’, the following is a handy list of 5 of West Sussex’s best coastal walks for scenic splendour, along with campsite options where you can rest your legs afterwards.
West Wittering Beach/Chichester Harbour
Situated at the mouth of Chichester Harbour (an officially designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) with the Isle of Wight in the distance, the sloping, sandy, dog-friendly beach at West Wittering is the perfect stretch to walk and admire the Sussex coast. At low tide, there are a multitude of sea-warmed lagoons for frolicking kids, with the rolling surf a constant companion for a long and pleasant beachside stroll.
Bring your binoculars along – West Wittering is also a popular spot for birdwatchers, as it hosts many migratory waders and wildfowl within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
You can approach the route from either end, setting out from Chichester Harbour and heading eastwards to the shingle beach at Bracklesham or indeed into town to consult the visitor centre or enjoy one of its many excellent pubs and eateries.
Away from the coast, the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty alone offers a plethora of fantastic walking and hiking opportunities, be they for a circular walk or one-way route, guided or self-guided. Further details can be found at the Chichester Harbour Conservancy.
Pagham Beach
Next to a village of the same name and just west of Bognor Regis, Pagham is a shingle beach that’s a top spot for a long, relaxing walk in what is said to be one of the sunniest places anywhere in the UK.
There is a local nature reserve at the entrance to Pagham Harbour toward the extreme western end of the beach, with wetlands and a main lagoon that are both great for birdwatching. As with West Wittering, Pagham Beach is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Meanwhile, Pagham’s local church, dating from the 7th century and dedicated to St Thomas à Becket, should really be a site of special historic interest. Beyond the church, a footpath leads to a source of similar interest, which is the harbour’s north wall, constructed in the 18th century. Also keep an eye out for World War II remnants about a mile off the beach in the form of a Mulberry Harbour platform; you’ll also see several beachfront properties that have been adapted from old railway carriages that were brought to the village in the early 20th century.
Parking is as readily available in Pagham, as are a number of cafés, shops and places to eat (and toilets).
Great places to camp near Pagham
Goring Gap Beach
Just outside Worthing is Goring Gap, a typical Sussex coast pebble beach. This long stretch of pebble and shingle gives way to an expanse of packed sand at low tide, making this a splendid setting for a long and casual stroll.
Goring Gap is backed by an equally large grassy area that’s separated from the beach by a paved route leading directly to Worthing and lined by traditional beach huts.
You might also like to pop into Goring town – the centre is a few minutes’ walk from the beach with all manner of refreshments and facilities.
Goring Beach’s natural beauty has been well preserved, and the area has avoided the over-development that can be seen in many seaside destinations. If you’re looking for a place where views are more likely to include a beached fishing boat than an amusement arcade, this is the spot.
Climping Beach
This rural shingle/pebble beach, also known as Atherington Beach, is also a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest. As it is particularly secluded, it’s a good spot for those more contemplative walks that go particularly well with rural camping holidays.
For a longer jaunt, head eastwards to the dune eco-system of Littlehampton, and/or west through private beach estates into Bognor Regis. Dogs are welcome at Climping and they’re free to race about on the beach without being on the leash.
Elmer Sands Beach
As with Climping Beach, Elmer Sands is as wonderfully underdeveloped as it is secluded – and it’s also easily reached from Climping. Situated to the extreme east of Bognor Regis, Elmer Sands is a great place for a coastal walk across a vast, flat sandy expanse at low tide. You can also poke about in a number of rockpools and mini islands created by the sea defence structure.
Apart from two very good pubs, there are no facilities to speak of at Elmer – something that’s likely to appeal to those for whom a long coastal stroll is sustenance enough.
Choose a campsite around Elmer & Bognor Regis
If you’re considering a walk along the West Sussex coast, why not extend the experience with 12 walks in West Sussex? But whatever trails you choose, make sure they lead back to one of the best campsites in West Sussex.