Selchi one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I agree with the previous two reviews and particularly regarding the last section approaching Selsey - the next time I would walk the 'coast' way rather than the inland approach though semi-industrial and housing areas.
I used the GPS data on my phone app (Outdoor Active) and twice was relieved to have this rather than a map.
The only other thing I would add is that there is a good bus service (Bus no 51) to either get to Selsey to start the walk or to get back to Chichester from Selsey depending on which way you choose to walk.

This is a great route from Chichester down to Selsey. It is long but quiet and peaceful. You leave Chichester by following the canal south to Hunston. The urban bustle around the train and bus stations is quickly left behind for open countryside. The route keeps off most roads and all main roads for the whole way, making it a relaxing and straightforward walk. There are particularly memorable sections along the canal from Chichester to Hunston and around Pagham Harbour from Sidlesham Quay to Church Norton. (Having said that the canal tow path is very popular with walkers, cyclists, anglers etc so you may well have company unless you go early in the morning.)

Whilst there is no waymarking, navigation is easy throughout the route. However, you will need a map or downloaded map on your phone. There is virtually no phone signal for significant parts of the route so you can't readily use on-line maps. The only issue I experienced was to the west of Honer Farm where the path crosses a grassy field. The path splits with one path going due south towards the North Wall on Pagham Harbour. The Sel-Chi path heads south west towards Halsey Farm. Both ways will get you through to Sidlesham Quay.

Towards the end there is an interesting alternative way which avoids a lot of streets in Selsey and is more interesting. After Greenlease Farm you take the path ENE towards the coast. The path meets the beach near The Spit and links up with gravel road that is Park Copse. This takes you down to the East Beach in Selsey, from where it is a simple walk into the town centre.

A really quiet route from Chichester to Selsey which keeps well away from the major roads that cross this area. It starts off following the tow path of the Chichester Ship Canal out of the city to Poyntz Bridge at Hunston. Here you can look back at the same view of the cathedral that Turner painted nearly 200 years ago, surprisingly little changed.

From Hunston the route follows farm tracks and little-used lanes through wide open fields past South Mundham to the edge of Pagham Harbour at Sidlesham Quay. The Crab and Lobster here is a lovely pub to stop for lunch. Carrying on around the edge of Pagham Harbour through the RSPB nature reserve where facilities are available at the visitor centre. The walk follows the route of a disused tramway along an embankment. From here, its on to the tiny church at Church Norton and finally across fields to Selsey.

This is quite a long walk, but almost completely flat. There are no stiles and only one kissing gate the whole way. As a lot of the fields appear to be at or below sea level, some of the paths can be susceptible to flooding after wet weather and/or very high tides.

All in all, an extremely enjoyable Slow Way, particularly recommended for nature lovers. Our highlight was a kingfisher diving for fish in the canal. The route is well-traced and mostly well sign posted.

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