East Head and Ellanore Circular Walk

Parking is available near the start of the walk, often associated with West Wittering Beach. You'll find amenities like toilets and a café conveniently located near the car park.

Yes, dogs are welcome on the trail. However, please be mindful of signage, especially around roped-off sections which are designated for nesting birds and are off-limits to dogs. Always clean up after your pet.

The full circular walk is typically best enjoyed between March and September. During the colder months, from September to March, a signed Winter Walk around East Head is recommended instead.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to walk the East Head and Ellanore Circular Walk itself. The area is part of the Chichester Harbour National Landscape and includes a National Trust managed nature reserve, which is freely accessible for walking.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll encounter pretty coastal paths, leafy lanes, and sections through West Wittering village. A significant portion is along East Head, featuring dynamic sand dunes and sandy beach paths. The seaward side is sandier, while the landward side of the spit is firmer. There are also boardwalks, a salt-marsh path, and a small wooded section, with Ellanore Lane offering a firm gravelled surface.

While the walk is generally easy, the presence of soft sand and uneven surfaces, particularly on the seaward side of East Head, makes it challenging for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The landward side of the spit, however, is generally more suitable for pushchairs.

You'll experience diverse coastal landscapes, including dynamic sand dunes and sandy beaches at East Head Beach and West Wittering Beach. The salt marsh at Snowhill Creek is a significant area for birdwatching, where you might spot Brent geese, shelduck, redshank, and curlew. Keep an eye out for seals at high tide, and enjoy wide views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Sussex East, Saltern's Way, King Charles III England Coast Path: South Hayling to East Head, New Lipchis Way, King Charles III England Coast Path: East Head to Shoreham, and Ellanore Lane.

Yes, the trail passes through West Wittering village, which offers options for coffee shops or pubs. Additionally, there is a café available near the main car park at the start/end of the walk.

The walk is particularly enjoyable at low tide when large expanses of sand are exposed, offering more space and a different perspective on the coastal landscape.

East Head is a unique sand and shingle spit, managed by the National Trust, known for its dynamic sand dunes and special habitat. Its position has changed dramatically over 250 years due to natural elements, and it's a crucial area for coastal wildlife and birdwatching, especially in the salt marsh at Snowhill Creek.