East Head
Children will enjoy exploring the dunes, playing on the sandy beach and even heading out for a swim if the weather is warm on this walk.
The Basics
Time: 35 mins
Distance: 2.2 km
Terrain: Sand dunes and sandy beach
Pushchair: Probably too hard going on the sand
Dogs: Yes, dogs are welcome on this part of the beach
Refreshments: Café and Kiosk further along the beach
Parking: West Wittering Estate beach car park. This must be booked in advance and prices are high but vary depending on season. Our walk was on an off season week day and only cost £2.20, meaning this is a walk we tend to enjoy in the winter when the crowds stay away. (Postcode: PO20 8AJ - W3W: mailings/nurse/extreme)
In the summer months West Wittering pulls the crowds for its spectacular sand, but at the far end of this stretch of beach is a National Trust managed nature reserve with a special sand dune habitat, which makes a wonderful walk all year round.
The Route
this walk is best done at low tide, see tide times here
Park at the furthest end of the car park and instead of heading onto the beach, continue in the same direction you drove. There is a picnic area on your right, and veer right just after that.
This will lead you around the inland, more sheltered side of the spit first. Walk with the dunes on your left until you reach the furthest point marked by a flagpole.
Round the pole and return along the coastal side of the spit by walking on the beach or dunes. Ensure that dogs and children keep off the areas of sand dune that are roped off to protect the wildlife that lives there.
Did you know?
As you walk, look out for the strange-looking shiny green and red plants of glasswort, which are typically found in salt-marsh areas such as these, and the ashes of which were once used in the glass-making process.
