Go Canoeing

A gentle paddle on a tidal river with some magnificent historical views.

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13 Miles

The  start point is  Pulborough A29 bridge, from here you head downstream.

TQ 046185 

The river valley is open and exposed and on windy days conditions can be testing, particularly for open canoes and inflatables.   Please click here for further information.

This can be a very fast-flowing tide, especially on the ebb. As the ebb is 8 hours, and the flood only 4 hours, the most preferred canoeing option is to commence at Pulborough either at, or just before High Tide there. The ebb will take the paddler all the way down in about two and a half to three hours, with little effort, but not expose too much mud in the latter stages of the trip.

Heading downstream, there is quiet countryside, and two nature reserves, first Pulborough Brooks, and then Amberley Wild Brooks, both great for seeing wading birds. The bridge after two miles is Greatham Bridge, (possible landing here, parking on west bank), with the village of Coldwaltham to the right. The Wey – South Downs long distance footpath follows the river closely until Houghton, where it joins the east-west South Downs Way. The river passes under the railway, and then there is a possible landing at Bury, at an old ferry landing near the church, but no parking.

The halfway point is Amberley (the bridge called Houghton Bridge, after the larger village to the right). Only parking is by permission of one of the businesses here, and the bridge approaches do not offer any landing or parking, the small B2139 being very busy and dangerous.

Amberely is very obvious – a nice bridge, and a high chalk escarpment on the left side, visible for miles. Houghton has the Amberley Chalk pits museum, a relic of former industry here.
After Houghton, the well-wooded Arundel park is present all down the right bank (landing and camping not encouraged), and after South Stoke on the right, the river splits at a railway bridge, the longer arm going left via Burpham, the right taking a shorter route alongside the railway, and under Offham Bridge. After the two re-join is a possible egress at the Black Rabbit Inn on the right, on a minor road from Arundel.
The major interest after this, to the right of a large river loop, is the Arundel Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Reserve.

Arundel with its castle and cathedral is then very obvious on the right, and the river loops into town. The formal egress point is beyond the bridge at a floating pontoon on the right bank, for which canoeists are expected to pay (by phoning up the Harbourmaster in advance), egress on to the pavement being by a low metal gate, usually locked. Alternative egress can be difficult, over stone riveting which can be muddy and slippery.

Arundel, very busy with tourists in the summer, is a fitting end to an unusual and interesting trip.

Arundel, pontoon on right side, immediately downstream of first road bridge – TQ 019069. A  vehicle shuttle is required via the A284/A29 which follows the river valley. Arundel with its castle and cathedral is then very obvious on the right at the end of your trip, and the river loops into town. The formal egress point is beyond the bridge at a floating pontoon on the right bank, for which canoeists are expected to pay (by phoning up the Harbourmaster in advance), egress on to the pavement being by a low metal gate, usually locked. Alternative egress can be difficult, over stone riveting which can be muddy and slippery.

Arundel Castle and cathedral are much visited. Brighton is only a short drive away to the east, and Chichester to the west.

The topography of West Sussex means that there is coastal plain near to the English Channel between the South Downs and the sea, giving several rivers with a long tidal stretch. Most of these are very small, but the Arun is of some size, and this trip is an unusual one, with views of a flat plain, and distant hills. The Arun is small above Pulborough, although in past times, voyages have been made from about 9 miles further upstream. The Arun was once connected to the Wey and the Thames by the way and Arun canal, running from Pallingham Lock to Guildford. From our launch point on the outskirts of Pulborough, a paddle upstream can be had, the river hardly moving on the flood, but very strong on the ebb. Good parking space can be found just south of the first bridge on the south side of Pulborough, there being a tea shop on the town side of the bridge. The river is quite tiny here, and in summer, there can be much weed. There are no facilities or landing on the way down, except for Amberley, which is not very welcoming unless using the waterside restaurants etc. Pulborough is a pleasant small town, and Arundel, with its castle, is a major tourist magnet, with all facilities. There is no (public) parking at Amberley, but both Pulborough and Arundel are well-provided for. (H.W. at Arundel is Dover plus 1 hour 20 mins, Littlehampton, at mouth of river is Dover plus 20 mins., Amberley, half-way down is Dover plus 2 hours 40 mins, Pulborough 3 hours 50 mins.) The rise and fall can be between 8 and 12 ft.

Spending an afternoon canoeing can be a fun way to experience nature, get a great workout and spend time with family and friends.However,it can also be a dangerous journey, if safety guidelines are overlooked. Always follow these basic rules and comply with navigation rules- keep to the right of on-coming boats. Please be careful at points along the trail where there are sharp bends on the waterway and keep a look out at these points for oncoming traffic.

Wear appropriate clothing
Always wear shoes. Rocks, rough terrain and river beds present serious hazards to boaters without the proper attire. Nearly 90per cent of all boating injuries are attributed to lack of proper footwear. Other canoe safe clothing includes hats, additional dry clothing towels, and layered items which can easily be removed.

Be sure to
- Know the weather forecast before you set out canoeing.
- Familiarise yourself with the local area, it’s sensitive places and protected areas.
- Leave the environment as you found it. Please read You, Your Canoe and the environment
- Take your litter home with you.
- Keep noise to a minimum.
- Do not damage bank side vegetation when launching or landing.
- Where possible keep to any designated paths or launching points.
- Canoe a safe distance away from wildlife.  
- Check your equipment.
- Canoe a safe distance away from wildlife.
- Observe navigation rules for this waterway.
- Check to see if there are any events on the waterways when you wish to travel.  
- Ensure you don’t remove or damage any plants or animals from the waterway as they may be protected or harmful if transferred to other catchments.

Use the checklist below to make sure you have everything you need.
Checklist:
1. Boat
2. Paddle
3. Buoyancy Aid
4. Bailer/sponge
5. Small First Aid Kit
6. Penknife
7. Mobile telephone (in a waterproof bag)
8. Fresh drinking water
9. Sun cream, hat and sunglasses
10. Light waterproof jacket
11. Footwear
12. Licence

ALWAYS be certain to let other know where you’re going and when you’re expected to return.