Come rain or shine, winter or summer, nothing beats a walk along the seafront or the banks of a river. So, here are three Littlehampton walks that range from the short (3.5km) to the longer (10km) and which include lovely views, wildlife and the odd café or pub thrown in.
Short Littlehampton beach walk
This is a stunning little 3.5 km circular walk. Park up at West Beach in car park (Littlehampton) and head on down to the beach.
This is a site of special scientific interest and nature reserve, and the beach is backed by sand dunes. In fact, you can follow Rope Walk (a boardwalk) through the dunes and past the old fort and the golf course. Littlehampton fort or Redoubt was built in 1854 and was an impressive building. Today, it is the subject of a long-term restoration project.
Stick to the boardwalk to protect local wildlife or walk along the vast sandy beach. You’re heading west and after roughly 1.3 km, you should see a footpath off to your right (well before you get to Climping). Take this path, and sticking right, it will take you back to Littlehampton and the River Arun. You have the golf course to your right, and once you meet the road, you’ll recognise where you are. Just turn right back to your car or left for the bridge back into town.
A slightly longer version
If 3.5 km isn’t quite enough for you, never fear. Start at the same point and walk west along the beach, but don’t turn right at that first footpath. Instead, carry on until you’re almost at Climping (if you get to the Climping car park, you’ve gone too far). Just before the lane to Bailiffscourt and beyond, there is a footpath to your right. Take this, and then turn right again at the first option.
From there, you can either walk straight on until you reach Ferry Road and then turn right and walk back into town from there, or turn right again at the second footpath crossroads, and you’ll come to the golf course and the path back to the river. This route is approximately 5.5km.
Walk to the sea
For a fabulous 10 km walk, why not walk to the sea from Arundel along the banks of the River Arun.
There is a footpath down the west side of the river, and at about halfway, you will come to the Ship and Anchor at Ford, if you want to grab some lunch.
When you get to Littlehampton, you can either cross the bridge and walk down to the pier, picking up fish and chips on the way or stay on the west side of the river and walk down to the beach (although you then have to walk back, of course).
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