GUIDE TO THE RIVER ARUN
(Tidal)
NAME OF RIVER: Arun.
WHERE IS IT?: West Sussex, from Littlehampton inland.
PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: For a round trip, either start at Ford Marina about 1 hour before high water at Littlehampton (1/4 mile south of Ford station on unclassified road south of Arundel, TQ 003 038, slipway but see below - parking charge may be levied or access may be unavailable) or slightly later from The Black Rabbit, Offham, 1 mile north of Arundel TQ 026 085 (muddy steps). Greatham Bridge, 10 miles inland TQ 031 163 can be reached easily on the tide and then after short break return with the ebb.
Alternatively, start at Greatham (unclassified road off A29 at Coldwaltham) 2 hours after high water at Littlehampton for a round trip to limit of tide at Pallingham, about 8 miles and return on the ebb. Spring tide necessary to get advantage of tidal flow above Pulborough (Normal Tidal Limit TQ 034 180).
Helen Bryett (Director, and canoeist) Ship Anchor Marina, Ford, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 0BJ (August 2006)...'We are having a lot of problems this year with canoeists and other small craft using our slipway,so that our previous hospitality is turning into hostility. This is very regrettable and we would appreciate any help you can give us to overcome the problems. Our main request is that visitors make arrangements with us in advance and ask permission. There are times when our slipway is not available to casual visitors and we do not have enough parking for our existing customers, let alone anyone else. People seem to think that just because they are willing to pay for something, it is possible to have it. It isn't.
My contact details are: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and 01243 553165.'
APPROX LENGTH: 20 or 16 miles, depending on starting point.
TIME NEEDED: 5 hours.
ACCESS HASSLES: Public tidal water.
WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: Spring tide advised to get to the upper reaches. High water at Littlehampton is nearly the same time as high water at Shoreham, a reference port quoted in most tidetables.
GRADING: Placid water.
MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: The tidal flow is strong, 3-5 knots.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Nice scenery through the South Downs, rather boring to Pulborough, narrow valley thereafter. Good pub at Stopham Bridge while waiting for tide to turn, landing easy under the new A283 bridge.
OTHER NOTES:. Suitable for 65-year-olds (I speak from experience!)
CONTRIBUTED BY: David Wilson, also Helen Bryett.
