Chichester Harbour Walk: Apuldram to Birdham

This is a level and easy walk of about 3 miles, with stunning views over the inlet of Chichester Harbour known as the Fishbourne Channel, and the opportunity to see lots of bird-life and yachts. Allow an hour and a half, if you want to stop for photos.


It starts at the pretty 13th century church at Apuldram, 2 miles south of Chichester. (There are several footpath options from Chichester if you want to start from there).


Head west out of the churchyard on the path leading to the sea wall, keeping the hedge - with a wide dry stream bed, on your left. This was a channel built to link Apuldram village to the inlet when it was the main port of Chichester in mediaeval times.


After 5 minutes, you reach the sea wall, and the views really begin. This was the point of the mediaeval port. Turn left, and follow the path along the coast: it's quite thickly wooded at first, and trees provide good shade in summer.


After 5-10 minutes, a boatyard on the left heralds the approach of the little yachting harbour of Dell Quay, and soon you are on the sea wall itself. Dell Quay wharf was founded in the 16th century on the orders of Lord Fitzwilliam of Cowdray, Lord High Admiral from 1536 to 1540, and was once the seventh most important port in England! It still functioned as a small port until the early 20th century, although is now only navigable for small craft at high water. The Crown & Anchor pub provides an opportunity for easy refreshment if you so wish.


Walk past the pub inland on Dell Quay Road for 100m until a path appears at the end of the row of houses on the right: this is a new 'permissive' footpath, negotiated as part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. At first, the path simply follows the edge of the field, hugging the hedge on the right, but soon you come to the edge of the river channel, and the views begin.


You follow the path south, field on the left, and the bank of the inlet, with fine views across it, to your right. Much of the route is shaded by clumps of trees on the river bank, bringing welcome shade and cover if you want to bird-watch. There are seats along the more exposed stretches, if you wish to stop and rest and admire the views. Don't forget to look back the view towards Dell Quay is among the best, and if you are careful, you can see the spire of Chichester Cathedral, in the distance.


After about 20 minutes, the trees of Salterns Copse come into view directly ahead, and before long we plunge into this nature reserve, maintained by coppicing to preserve the unique wildlife. Keep to the path straight ahead, running parallel to the water's edge.


The path has been gravelled and winds around trees, and soon emerges into Chichester Marina. This was built in the 1960s on the site of lagoons belonging to the Salterns - an old word referring to salt works - which operated here from the 1730s to the 1820s.


Turn right at the end of the copse and walk over the lock gate next to the main marina building, taking time to admire the huge display of dinghies, yachts and other leisure boats.


Follow the small road on the other side, which then veers left alongside Chichester Canal. The canal is now only used at this point by houseboats, although there are plans for restoration. Cross the canal by the metal swing bridge, and continue along this lane until you reach Lock Lane.


Turn right here: ignore the 'private road' notices, as Lock Lane itself is a public footpath, so you are OK if you are walking or cycling. After 5-10 minutes, this bears left and reaches Birdham Pool. This impressive stretch of water was a tidal mill, but in the 1930s the river side section was turned into the country's first purposely organised marina. The 18th century Mill building is still there, next to the lock. To the left of the Causeway, the inland section of Birdham Pool is now a nature reserve.


Continue along the lane, bearing left, between high hedges, and after five minutes you come to Birdham church, a 14th century building with an amazing twisted Macrocarpa tree next to the south porch.


If you want to return to Chichester, walk along Church Lane towards the main A286 road, where there are frequent buses to Chichester and the Witterings (East and West).


The paths are reasonably well marked, but are easier to follow with the 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey map (though note this may not show the new 'permissive' path from Dell Quay to Chichester Yacht Basin).