Climping – Countryside Meets Coast

Much of the Sussex coast has grown and evolved since early pioneering photographers captured classic seaside scenes at Worthing, Hove and Littlehampton, and now a chain of urban development extends almost continuously from Bognor to Brighton. Here and there are still hints of the coastline as it used to be before the builders moved in, but Climping Beach, where this walk begins, is an altogether different place. There is a feeling of space and distance here, rarely experienced on the West Sussex coast.

One of Climping’s main attractions is its remoteness. It is approached along a country lane which terminates at the beach car park. A glance at a map of this area might cause some confusion. The village of Climping, which has a 13th-century church, lies a mile (1.6km) or so inland, and the nearest settlement to Climping Beach is Atherington. The medieval church and various dwellings of this old parish now lie beneath the sea, which has steadily encroached upon the land, and all that is now left of low-lying Atherington are several houses and a hotel.

Climping Beach, together with neighbouring West Beach, is popular with holidaymakers as well as locals who want to enjoy the space. The National Trust protects more than 2 miles (3.2km) of coastline here. The low-water, sandy beach is backed by shingle banks which, in places, support vegetation, a rare habitat in Britain. In addition, there are active sand dunes, which are another rare and fragile feature of the coastline. Only six areas of active sand dunes survive on the south coast between Cornwall and Kent, and three of them are in Sussex. After crossing a broad expanse of flat farmland, the walk eventually reaches the River Arun, opposite Littlehampton. From here it’s a pleasant amble to West Beach, finishing with a spectacular stroll by the sea, back to Climping Beach. There is much to divert the attention along the way, but it is this lonely stretch of coastline that makes the greatest impression – a vivid reminder of how the entire West Sussex coast once looked.

From the beach car park take the road leading away from the sea, passing the entrance to Bailiffscourt Hotel on the left-hand side. Continue walking along the road until you reach The Black Horse Inn (closed) and take the next footpath on the right, by some thatched cottages.

When the track swings left, continue ahead across the field to a signpost at a junction with a byway. Go straight over and follow the path through the fields towards a tile-roofed barn.

At the building, Lower Dairy Barn, join a grassy track on a bend beside a traditional Sussex flint wall and gable, and turn right along it. As it swings right, take the signposted path and begin by following the boundary hedge. Stride out across the field, cross the concrete footbridge and bear left at the footpath sign to follow a deep ditch known as the Ryebank Rife. At a signpost, veer away from the ditch and cross the field to a line of trees, aiming towards a distant pale blue gasometer. Cross a footbridge to the road.

Turn right and walk along the pavement to a turning on the right for Littlehampton Golf Course. The walk follows this road, but first continue ahead for a few steps to have a look at the footbridge crossing the Arun. The buildings of Littlehampton can be seen on the far side and, if time allows, you may like to extend the walk by visiting the town.

Continuing the main walk, follow the road towards West Beach and the golf course, veering right at a car park sign to follow an enclosed path to a kissing gate at the corner of the golf course. Continuing ahead, the path (which can be very muddy) runs along a raised bank through trees and later emerges into the open with good views over this unspoilt coastal plain. Keep to the path, and at the end of the golf course you reach a flint-built house. Avoid the path on the right here and keep left.

Continue walking along the footpath, which soon reaches West Beach. Look for the interpretation board, which explains how this open stretch of coastline has been shaped and influenced by climatic conditions and the sea over the centuries. Follow the footpath ahead along the edge of the shingle beach (be aware that the road that runs parallel to it below is private) back to the car park. When the tide is out you can walk along the sand instead.