East Head and Ellanore circular walk
Circular route taking in East Head, Chichester harbour and West Wittering Village. Enjoy pretty coastal paths, leafy lanes and coffee shop or pub options along the way.
Map
Start:
West Wittering car park, grid ref: SZ771978
1
Begin your walk at East Head. A walk around East Head (1 mile/1.6km) takes around 45 minutes. Stroll along the shore, through the dunes and back along the salt marsh path to experience all that East Head has to offer.
East Head
Visit one of the last surviving pieces of natural coastline in West Sussex. East Head is an example of the nationally rare and fragile, yet dynamic, sand-dune habitat. Explore East Head’s distinct habitats - shingle, sandy beach and dunes that graduate into salt-marsh. Maritime plants, such as the tough-leaved sea holly and sea bindweed, grow through the sand. In summer, they’re at their vibrant, colourful best. Look too for the distinctive marram grass, which needs the cover of the shifting sands to be able to grow.
2
Stop at the northern end of East Head for a fabulous view of Chichester Harbour.
Northern End
See fantastic views of the South Downs beyond Chichester Harbour. Watch out for seals at high tide. In the summer this is one of the best places to boat-spot.
3
Stroll through the dunes and back along the saltmarsh path, back to the entrance to East Head.
Wildlife in the dunes
Listen along the way for the song of the skylark and the scuttle of the sand lizard, both of which are year round residents here.
4
East Head to Snowhill Creek. At the entrance to East Head, with East Head now behind you, the footpath to Snowhill Creek is on your left and runs north-east, following the hedge line at the edge of the salt marsh. Use the top path as the lower path, which is tempting at low tide, hides some very soft clay and should be avoided.
5
Snowhill Creek to Elleanor Lane. At Snowhill creek follow the line of the harbour, taking the sign posted footpath that continues north off the creek, through a small wooded and sheltered section.
Bird Hide
The path opens out and meanders along the harbour for a mile 1.6km), through young oak trees and wildflower grasses. Take in views of the harbour to the west and farmland to the east, with a backdrop of Roman Landings finest homes. There is a bird hide ¾ mile (1.2km) along with a superb view of East Heads northern tip. Look out for wading birds feeding in the thick marsh mud that lies between the mainland and East Head. At low tide, this is a favoured spot for oyster catchers, godwits, curlews and even the occasional egret.
6
From the bird hide the path turns east and becomes more sheltered as wind-sculpted trees create a leafy tunnel.
Leafy canopy
On sunny days enjoy this section's dappled light with glimpses of the harbour throughout.
7
When you get to a gate and footpath sign you are at Ellanore Lane. Turn right onto Ellanore Lane, which has a firm gravelled surface, leading to West Wittering village. Follow the lane for ½ mile (800m), passing the allotments before you emerge into the village.
8
As you emerge into West Wittering at the end of Ellanore Lane there is a great little café, the Landing, which is on your left. This overlooks a small green at the entrance to West Wittering Estate.
The Landing Café
The Landing Café en route is the perfect stop for those who like to douse their walkies with copious cappuccino. Alternatively, there is a pub (the Old House at Home) just across the main road.
9
Turning immediately right out of Ellanore Lane, walk a short distance before turning right again into Roman Landings. The footpath is on your left, and leads through horse fields and back onto Snowhill creek.
Roman Landings
Roman Landings, arguably the spot where the Romans first arrived in AD 43, is now a showcase of some of the finest residences in West Wittering.
10
From Snowhill creek retrace your steps along number 1 footpath back to East Head.
End:
West Wittering car park, grid ref: SZ771978
