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.

Bosham to Dell Quay

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Bosham SU 803 038 GB
Dell Quay SU 835 028 GB
Itchenor SU 799 014 GB


Chichester Harbour offers many pleasant paddling opportunities as it has several different estuaries, miles of coast line and masses of wildlife.

BOSHAM
Bosham is a delightful village, situated towards the head of Bosham Creek. It was here that King Canute reputedly ordered the tide to recede. The quay here dries but offers access at all states of tide. The coastal road, WHICH FLOODS EACH HIGH TIDE offers an alternative with shorter portage from the nearby pay and display car park. The Blue Anchor pub over looks this coast road, handy for after paddle drinks. Returning at low water, step ashore on the Bosham Sailing Club slip way and fetch your car down from the car park. The creek dries a lot at low tide, but remains navigable. At high water, it offers pleasant scenery and good shelter.

ITCHENOR ~ Chichester Channel
At the mouth of the channel where it meets the main Chichester Channel, turn left to paddle toward Chichester and Dell Quay. Itchenor on the south bank offers a large shingle hard which makes a good lunch landing spot. A short walk along the access road leads you to another pub.

Paddling north-east towards Dell Quay takes you past some fantastic private houses with their own waterfronts and jetties, the opposite bank has marinas and moorings.

DELL QUAY
Dell Quay is similar to Bosham in that it has good tidal access over a shingle hard, a quay (owned by Dell Quay Sailing Club) and The Anchor public house overlooking the sea. This area is also very pleasant and attractive, although the waves can fetch up a bit along Chichester Channel, especially a SW wind on a falling tide.

Access / Put-ins:

Bosham, Itchenor and Dell Quay as above. Access at all states of tide at each location.

Nature:

Chichester Harbour is home to enormous numbers of wildfowl.

History:

Bosham: Church, King Canute

Waterside Pubs:

Bosham: The Blue Anchor

Dell Quay: The Crown & Anchor

Hazards:

Strong tides in Chichester Channel, make for a surprising seaway when the wind is up and offer good practice for ferry gliding.