West Wittering to Itchenor Coastal Walk

2.7 miles (4.4 km)

This walk takes you along the coast from West Wittering to West Itchenor. The route runs for just under 3 miles following the flat path north to Chalkdock Point before turning east to finish at West Itchenor.
The walk starts near in West Wittering near the beach, a highly popular coastal destination managed by the National Trust at East Head.... Famous for its extensive, multi-kilometre stretch of fine sand and pristine water quality, the area serves as a primary regional hub for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The opening phase of the path takes you near Snowhill Creek, where you can observe rows of moored yachts and smaller watercraft resting against the tidal marshes.
Following the shoreline path north, you will reach Chalkdock Point, which marks the prominent geographical bend where the channel turns inward toward the main harbor. This entire stretch is located within the Chichester Harbour National Landscape, formerly designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The intertidal mudflats and saltmarshes visible from the path are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), acting as a vital feeding ground for thousands of wintering wading birds. Walkers can regularly spot curlews, oystercatchers, and dark-bellied brent geese foraging along the shoreline, while the outer sandbanks are a frequent resting spot for local harbour seals.
After rounding Chalkdock Point, the trail heads directly east along the edge of open agricultural fields and woodland before entering West Itchenor. This historic sailing village dates back centuries and played a key role as a naval shipbuilding yard during the Napoleonic Wars. Today, the village is known for its active sailing club, traditional thatched cottages, and a busy commercial boatyard.
The walk concludes at Itchenor Pack Quay, where visitors can find refreshments at the Ship Inn pub or the Quarterdeck Café. Paid parking is available at the Ship Inn car park via card payment, and those looking to return to West Wittering can easily take a short taxi ride or catch the local bus service running through the nearby village lanes.