Climping – Countryside Meets Coast
"The last surviving stretch of undeveloped coast between Bognor Regis and Brighton."
Walk directions
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.
Additional information
Terrain
- Field paths, roads and stretches of beach
Landscape
- Sandy beaches, open farmland and riverside development
Dog friendliness
- Off lead on enclosed paths and beach area; under control near the Arun and on road at Climping
Parking
- Fee-paying car park at Climping Beach
Toilets en route
- Climping Beach car park
About the walk
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.
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
Divided from East Sussex back in 1888, West Sussex has a variety of landscapes and coastal scenery, but it is the spacious and open South Downs with which the county is most closely associated. There are plenty of walking routes in the South Downs National Park, cycling routes by the sea or visitors can explore the pretty town of Arundel with its historic castle and buildings.
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Guest Accommodation
Leeside
★★★★
"High standards are maintained by conscientious hosts..."
- Rooms 4
- Free TV
- Wifi
- Lounge with TV
Caravan & Camping
Ship & Anchor
★★★
"Traditional camping close to Arundel and the coast...."
- Ice pack facility
- Cafe/Restaurant
- Shop onsite
- Calor Gas
Nearby places to stay
Leeside
Leeside is a bright bungalow, close to local sailing clubs, the River Arun and the beach. Visitors will receive a warm welcome, and the comfortable, modern bedrooms have TVs and free Wi...
★★★★ Rating
Arun View Inn
Right on the River Arun, close to its mouth, the Arun View Inn is a popular haunt, especially on a sunny day. With the English Channel so close, even seagoing freighters pass right by. ...
★★★★ Rating
Ship & Anchor
Neatly maintained by the enthusiastic, hard working owner, this small, well-located site has dated, but spotlessly clean toilet facilities, a secluded tent area, and enjoys a pleasant p...
★★★ Rating
Arundel River Cottage
Arundel River Cottage is an immaculately presented river front cottage with a dedicated parking space. It's within easy walking distance, along flat ground, of Arundel centre and Arunde...
★★★★ Rating
Arundel River Cottage
Arundel River Cottage is an immaculately presented river front cottage with a dedicated parking space. It's within easy walking distance, along flat ground, of Arundel centre and Arunde...
★★★★ Rating
The Town House Restaurant with Rooms
This is an elegant, Grade II listed Regency building overlooking Arundel Castle, just a short walk from the shops and centre of the town. Bedrooms and public areas retain the building's...
Awaiting inspection
Avisford Park Hotel
A private boarding school in a previous life, Avisford Park retains loads of original features including the names of all the head boys engraved on the cedar wall panels in the main res...
★★★ Rating
2 Seafield Terrace
2 Seafield Terrace is a comfortable family house, sleeping 5, set in the most wonderful location right on Bognor Regis beach in West Sussex. With views across the sea from all main room...
★★★★ Rating


