Salterns Way is a 19 km footpath and cycle path from Chichester city centre to East Head in Chichester Harbour. Although some of it is on country lanes, they are fairly quiet and most of it is on off road, car-free paths.
It is pretty flat and well maintained making it a great route if you have children with you or just want to take things easy.
It is well signed with a blue waymarker most of the way but every now and again, the waymark is absent! There is a map you can download from Chichester Harbour Conservancy which has some helpful written directions.
Chichester to Dell Quay
Starting at Market Cross you head west along West Street and on towards the A27 underpass. After a short stretch cycling along the A259, you turn right into Apuldram Lane. You’re pretty quickly off the road and onto the cycle path. Alternatively, if you want to avoid the city and do a slightly shorter section, there is parking at Apuldram so you could start from there.
Dell Quay to Itchenor
From Dell Quay, it’s a lovely route to Chichester Marina – you will need to go round the marina and walk over the canal bridge.
But if you’re in need of a pitstop, try the Boathouse Café. From here, pass Salterns Lock and the shipyard and then the route wriggles its way first south and then west (to the north of Birdham). There is a little bit of road work as you circumnavigate Itchenor.
Itchenor to West Wittering
You’re on the home straight now, and the country tracks lead you cross country to the wonderfully named Sheepwash Lane and then out on to the road into West Wittering.
The map says turn right at the pub called Old House at Home but it was called The Wittering when I was there. The car park to the beach is well signed however, and it will take you straight to West Wittering Beach and on to East Head and the finish.
Other bike routes
From Chichester, you can also cycle north along Centurion Way to West Dean. This also connects with the South Coast Cycle Route at Fishbourne, where cyclists can continue westwards to visit Fishbourne Roman Palace and Bosham.
Further east, on the Manhood Peninsula, there is a 14.5 km cycle route called Bill Way from Chichester to Medmerry Nature Reserve. Although you might have to push your bike a little way, it is possible to link this route up with the Salterns Way by cycling on to Earnely, East Wittering and then on to West Wittering, making a rather fabulous circular cycle route. There is also a shorter 3 km cycle route from Pagham Harbour to Medmerry Nature Reserve – perfect for families.
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