How to get there - Dell Quay is on a turning on the right off the A286 south of Chichester. Free parking for early arrivals; especially crowded at weekends.
For those with SatNav the postcode is PO20 7EE.
Get a map with driving directions to start (enter the postcode of your starting point at A)
Suggested Launch Site - Public hard at Dell Quay.
General
Description - Sheltered tidal creek and best at high tide (nearly same time as Portsmouth). Pleasantly wooded banks, much bird life and the occasional harbour seal. The Romans landed at the Palace at Fishbourne at the head of the creek.
10 mile round trip to East Head (see map), which can be done on the ebb, returning with the flow. East Head makes a good destination for a full day out, with picnic and sandy beach for bathing (safe at slack tide, strong currents otherwise). The trip can be halved by turning back at Itchenor, though this usually involves some paddling against the tide.
Beyond Itchenor the Harbour is wide and unsuitable for inexperienced canoeists if wind is above force 3.
Chichester Harbour Conservancy may levy dues on canoes longer than 3m.
Comments on this trip
Vicky Owen 15 Aug 2021
Any vessel using the harbour is required to pay harbour dues, including those under 3m, but the fee is modest. Fees payable to Chichester Harbour Conservancy at Itchenor for 21/22 the annual fee for vessels under 3m is £13.01.
