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Sussex

East Head and Ellanore circular walk

People walking on the beach at sunset, East Head, West Sussex — People walking on the beach at sunset, East Head | © National Trust Images/John Miller

This circular route takes in East Head, Chichester harbour and West Wittering village. Enjoy pretty coastal paths, leafy lanes and coffee shop or pub options along the way. This walk is only available between March - September. From September to March please follow the signed Winter Walk around East Head.

Near to

Start point

West Wittering car park, grid ref: SZ771978

Trail information

Difficulty*

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)

Duration2 hours

Dog friendly

*Flat with some areas of soft sand and uneven surfaces. For further details, see section marked Terrain.

Address
West Wittering, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 8AU
Directions via Google Maps
By bus
From Chichester take the bus following the A286. Follow signs to West Wittering and then West Wittering Beach.
By train
Chichester, 7 miles (11km). Bus station for onward travel to East Head adjacent to train station.
By road
A286 south from Chichester. At Birdham roundabout go right, then follow signs to West Wittering beach. Parking: Use PO20 8AJ for entrance to car park (not National Trust).
Total stages: 10
Total stages: 10
Start point
West Wittering car park, grid ref: SZ771978
Stage 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's distinct habitats
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.
Stage 2
Stop at the northern end of East Head for a fabulous view of Chichester Harbour.
Stage 3
Stroll through the dunes and back along the salt-marsh path, back to the entrance to East Head.
Stage 4
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; the lower path, which is tempting at low tide, hides some very soft clay and should be avoided.
Stage 5
At Snowhill Creek follow the line of the harbour, taking the signposted 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 1 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, which has a superb view of East Head's 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 oystercatchers, godwits, curlews and even the occasional egret.
Stage 6
From the bird hide the path turns east and becomes more sheltered as wind-sculpted trees create a leafy tunnel.
Stage 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.
Stage 8
As you emerge into West Wittering at the end of Ellanore Lane there is a great little café, The Landing (not National Trust) which is on your left. This overlooks a small green at the entrance to West Wittering Estate.
Stage 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.
Stage 10
From Snowhill Creek retrace your steps along the footpath, back to East Head.
End point
West Wittering car park, grid ref: SZ771978
Trail map
Map showing route and steps of East Head and Ellanore circular walk | © Crown copyright database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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Coast Guard Lane, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 8AJ

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