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GUIDE TO THE CHICHESTER HARBOUR CREEKS NAME OF RIVER: Not really rivers...these are a series of tidal creeks. WHERE IS IT?: West Sussex. Map. PUT-INS/ TAKEOUTS: Public hards at Dell Quay (easy parking for early arrivals) SU835027; Bosham Quay (drop off at Quay but again arrive early, then parking free on Shore Road which FLOODS EVERY HIGH TIDE else pay-and-display) SU803037; Emsworth (drop off at quay and then paying car park) SU748055 APPROX LENGTH: Each put in point is on a different creek; round trip distances to the harbour mouth are Emsworth 6 miles, Bosham 8 miles, Dell Quay 10 miles, and could of course be combined. TIME NEEDED: As long as you please. ACCESS SITUATION: Public tidal water, though the Harbour Commissioners may charge a launching fee (I’ve not had to yet). WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: The hards are at the high tide end of the creeks so if possible go down with the ebb and up with the flow, with a picnic on the sand dunes at East Head at the entrance to the harbour while the tide turns. Time of tide similar to Shoreham or Portsmouth. GRADING: I – placid...in calm conditions. MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: Strong tides near East Head. The more open water near East Head can be very rough in windy conditions. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: From wooded creeks to saltmarsh to sandy beaches. Pictures of Chichester Harbour OTHER NOTES: A historic harbour – Dell Quay close to Fishbourne where the Romans landed, Bosham where King Canute defied the tide; war graves of both Allied and German airmen on Thorney Island. Neighbouring Pagham Harbour is a nature reserve and strictly out of bounds. CONTRIBUTED BY: David Wilson. |
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