Chichester Harbour - Itchenor to East Head

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Grid Refs
Itchenor SU 799 014 GB
East Head SZ 769 992
Pilsey Island SU 771 007

This short stretch of Chichester Harbour is of interest because of the strong tides present. If to your advantage, stay in the deep water following the channel marks. If going against the flow, tuck close in shore to be spared the worst of it.

Itchenor is described elsewhere in the Solent Kayak Pages, under the label Chichester Harbour.

Pilsey Island is a small island is at the south west corner of the mouth of the Thorney Channel. Landing is permitted here and the eastern side of it is a popular anchorage for yachts. Landing is permitted on the shingle beach and it would make a good stop for a meal or coffee stop. Information boards tell about the island.

East Head is a sandy beach and nature reserve, that forms a spit on the eastern side of the harbour mouth. It is also a popular anchorage offering shelter in south / west winds and seems to be a favoured stretch of beach for a Sunday stroll.

Access / Put-ins:
Itchenor hard gives access at all states of tide. There are also plenty of other access points around the harbour which you are likely to visit in the same paddle.
Nature:
Chichester Harbour is home to enormous numbers of wildfowl.
History:
Itchenor was a ship building village, dating back to Tudor times.
Waterside Pubs:
None.
Hazards:
Strong tides in Chichester Channel, make for a surprising seaway when the wind is up and offer good practice for ferry gliding.