Sidlesham - Pagham Harbour

Sylvia Saunders

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This walk starts from the parking area at Sidlesham Quay, near the Crab and Lobster pub. It then takes you along one of the few undeveloped stretches of coastline in Sussex, entering the Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve. This is best known for its birds; with over 200 species seen each year it is a birdwatcher's paradise. It is also home to over 340 species of flowering plants (including some national rarities), 280 species of moth and even 13 species of woodlice! This Site of Special Scientific Interest covers 1,500 acres, about half of which is salt marsh and mudflats, while the rest comprises farmland, copses, lagoons, reedbeds and shingle beaches.

This is an easy, flat circular walk, although there are one or two slippery areas that need a little care. Allow plenty of time to linger on the well-placed seats and enjoy the superb wildlife. Choose a clear day for some lovely views over towards the South Downs as well as local ones across this beautiful harbour. There is a Visitor Centre open at the weekends. See 'Additional Information' for more details about this and to read a little about the harbour's history.

Some of the coastal paths flood at high tide, so do check out the tides before setting off at http://tinyurl.com/d58zl3

There are no difficult stiles on the walk for dogs, but they do have to be on leads during certain parts of the reserve.

England - South England - West Sussex - Coast

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, Sea, Wildlife

6/27/2012 - Sarah Sinclair

An excellent walk. As previous comments say Wellies are an absolute must. Very wet & slippy in parts. Our Basset Hound enjoyed it & dog friendly although on a lead for certain parts. Wildlife on this walk is brilliant, especially in the salt marshes. Lots of crabs, birds & insects. Binoculars a must!

1/30/2011 - Bill Brooks

A very pleasant walk, especially the section through Pagham Harbour. This walk needs wellies (not walking boots), though, as the terrain can be very wet. If the path at across the field midway along Pagham North Wall (waypoint number 6, SZ 874977) is flooded, as it was today, the earlier footpath (from waypoint 5, SZ 870977) towards Honer Farm can be used instead.