As the days get longer and the weather starts to warm up, May is the perfect time to enjoy the natural beauty of West Wittering. Located on the south coast of England, this lovely village offers a variety of walks that showcase its stunning scenery, from beautiful beaches to peaceful nature reserves and scenic coastal paths. Whether you’re an experienced walker or just looking for a relaxing stroll, West Wittering has trails to suit everyone.
In this blog post, we have highlighted some of the best walking trails in west wittering that are perfect for exploring. Whether you’re after a short and easy walk or a longer adventure, you’ll find a trail to enjoy as you discover the lovely landscapes of West Wittering.
If you love the sound of the sea, the West Wittering Beach Circular Walk is a must. This 3.4-mile loop trail is easy and enjoyable, taking about 1 hour to complete. Starting at the West Wittering Beach car park, this circular walk around East Head takes you along the white sandy West Wittering beach, offering great views of Chichester Harbour, Hayling Island, the countryside inland (you can even see the Goodwood grandstand on a clear day) and the beautiful rolling sand dunes of East Head itself. It is a fantastic walk for families and dog owners where you can play hide and seek in the dunes, hunt for shells along the shore line, go for a dip in the sea or stop for a picnic. The dunes at East Head and the marshes of Snowhill Creek are also a significant site for birdlife, particularly during winter months, with a variety of migratory birds seeking refuge there. You may hear the distinctive calls of the redshanks, oystercatchers, curlews or lapwings. You may also notice a grey plover or, if you are very lucky, some of the avocets that live in the Snow Hill reserve. There may also be a grey heron or little egret stalking in the little creeks that form this habitat. This area of the beach is always much quieter than the section right in front of the car park so it is a peaceful spot all year round. The route is well-maintained, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels and your reward at the end is a hot chocolate and piece of cake at The Beach Cafe in the West Wittering Beach Car Park.
This easy walk is especially popular because it is accessible for the whole family and allows you to have some fun on the beach whilst taking in the local scenery. To top it off your dogs are welcome too, just respect the rules around the restricted areas during bird breeding times and there are some restrictions during the summer months on the stretch of beach in front of the West Wittering beach carpark.
This 4 miles circular route takes you around East Head (as described in the West Wittering Beach Circular Walk above), Chichester Harbour, and West Wittering village, offering beautiful views of the coast and countryside. The East Head and Ellanore Circular Walk is ideal for those who want to enjoy coastal paths and quiet lanes. The walk is easy and great for families, allowing you to explore the beauty of the area. It starts and finishes in the West Wittering Beach Car park and you can grab a coffee and cake at the fantastic The Landing coffee shop in West Wittering before returning to your car or have lunch in The Wittering, a wonderfully relaxed local pub with a lovely garden out the back.
This trail is about 3 miles long, making it a short but rewarding walk. It’s a great choice for a relaxing afternoon, and you’ll also have the chance to enjoy some of the local wildlife along the way. The route is perfect for those who want to spend time in nature while enjoying a peaceful walk.
If you’re looking for a longer walk, the West Wittering and West Itchenor Circular is a great choice. This 9.0-mile loop trail near Chichester takes you along quiet country roads and scenic coastal paths. The walk usually takes about 3 hours, so it’s perfect for a half-day adventure. It is an easy route so suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities.
On this trail, you’ll be able to enjoy amazing views of the coast and the peaceful countryside. You’ll also pass through the pretty village of Itchenor, where you can take a break and enjoy some lunch or just a refresher at the fantastic Ship Inn. If you are looking for a longer walk, this trail is a great option and it gives you the chance to see more of the area.
Starting in the village of Itchenor, this 6-mile circular walk takes you along Chichester Harbour to West Wittering. The path passes through pretty villages, peaceful coastline, and salt marshes, giving you some of the best views of the harbour. It’s a flat and easy route, so it’s great for walkers of all ages and abilities.
The walk is perfect if you want to enjoy a calm stroll with beautiful water views. You can also spot lots of wildlife along the way, and there are interesting historical sites to check out. The midway point is West Wittering, where you can relax and grab a drink and bite to eat at either The Landing Cafe or The Wittering Pub, or you can finish up at The Ship Inn back in Itchenor. All are highly recommended.
For those who love longer hikes, the Chichester Harbour Trail offers a three-day walk that takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the region. The trail starts at West Wittering, passes through the sand dunes of East Head, and continues to Itchenor, Birdham, Dell Quay, and Fishbourne.
This extended trail offers a complete experience of the area, allowing you to see a variety of landscapes, from beaches to woodlands. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to explore more of Chichester Harbour and enjoy a range of views and scenery. Whether you do the whole trail over a few days or just explore parts of it, this walk offers a memorable experience none the less. So don’t be put off by the 3 days of walking as it is still possible to enjoy the best bits throughout this route without hiking for 3 days. However, this is definitely a must for the more enthusiastic hikers looking to explore the area.
Weather Considerations – Seeing as it is in the UK and the weather is unpredictable to say the least, it would be difficult to predict whether it will be sunny or raining. So it may be a good idea to bring a light waterproof jacket when considering these walks. Obviously, you can judge it better on the day as to whether you will need one.
Dog-Friendly Trails – Many trails in West Wittering welcome dogs, but be aware of seasonal restrictions on some parts of the beach. From 1st May to 30th September, dogs are not allowed on the beach between groynes numbered 14a to 18.
Footwear – While most of the trails are well-maintained, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to walk on more rugged paths. No one wants to get a blister half-way through a walk, as this always brings down the mood.
If like some you are not local to the area and just looking for a short break / staycation with family, friends or just yourself and a pet, it may be worth taking a look at some of our recommended properties in the local area so you can relax and put your feet up after walking some of the trails. At Wellies & Windbreaks we offer a great range of cosy cottages, beachfront homes and large family properties so you can find the perfect accommodation to rest in after a day of walking. Take a look below at some of our most popular properties in the area:
Rosemary Cottage and Cygnet Cottage. Both of these gorgeous little ‘chocolate box’ style cottages are in Pound Road in West Wittering, just a couple of minutes walk to the white sands of West Wittering beach and right next to The Landing cafe. Both properties welcome pets and both can sleep 5 guests in 2 and 3 bedrooms respectively.
Little Orchard is a beautiful family home in West Wittering which can accommodate up to 12 guests in 5 bedrooms. It also has the bonus of a hot tub which can be hired as an optional extra between the months of March to November.
For something right on the beachfront in West Wittering The Thatched Cottage is a fabulous option. Sleeping 8 guests in 4 bedrooms and also pet friendly it is perfect for a family group. The location is quite honestly unbeatable.
