Chichester Ship Canal

(approx. 4 miles, with a bus return journey)

The Chichester Ship Canal runs from the Basin, just South of Chichester Station, right out to Chichester Marina, about 4 miles.   If you feel it’s too far to walk all the way back as well, there is a bus stop at the end of the road to the Marina to take you back into Chichester (Route 52/53, approx. every 30 minutes) .

In addition to the tranquil scenery, the bird life on the canal is abundant with coots, moorhens, ducks, swans and even a possible fleeting flash of a Kingfisher.  There are a few seats on which to rest and admire the views.  The Marina is interesting, with static boats moored as homes, and is bustling with sailing activities, not to mention the mesmerising  lock gates, which always seem to be busy with yachts coming in and out of the marina.

There are several opportunities for refreshments. There is a pub (the Richmond) and the excellent Canal  Cafe at the Basin with plenty of outdoor seating.  In Hunston, if you walk off the canal bank and into the village (2-3 hundred yards) there is The Spotted Cow, a lovely country pub.  At the end at the Marina is the Boat House Café.