River Arun, Pulborough to Arundel Paddle Trail

3-5 hours

Duration

13.2 miles

Distance

One Way

Moderate

Difficulty

RH20 2BJ

Start Postcode

BN18 9RZ

End Postcode

A. Heading downstream, there is quiet countryside, and two nature reserves, first Pulborough Brooks, and then Amberley Wild Brooks, both great for seeing wading birds.

B. The bridge after two miles is Greatham Bridge, (possible landing here, parking on west bank), with the village of Coldwaltham to the right.

C. The Wey – South Downs long distance footpath follows the river closely until Houghton, where it joins the east-west South Downs Way.

D. The river passes under the railway at just under 6 miles. Shortly after there is a possible landing at Bury, at an old ferry landing near the church, but no parking.

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

F. Amberley is very obvious, with a nice bridge, and a high chalk escarpment on the left side, visible for miles. Houghton, at around 8 miles, hosts the Amberley Chalk Pits Museum, a relic of the former industry here.

G. After Houghton, the well-wooded Arundel Park is present along the right bank- landing and camping not encouraged.

H. 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 rejoin there 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.

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

Discover More

The Arun is one of the Sussex rivers that flows across a flat plain before entering the sea, and gives a long and fairly safe tidal stretch for paddling. The Arun was once part of the Wey and Arun Navigation, built to try and connect the Thames with the English Channel, and the former canal is currently being restored.

This part of the Arun is tidal – open access. H.W. at Arundel is Dover plus 1 hour 20 mins. At Amberley (halfway down), H.W. is Dover plus 2 hours, 40 mins. Pulborough H.W. tide times are Dover plus 3 hours 50 mins. The ebb tide can be very fast-flowing, the ebb lasting for 8 hours, the flood tide only 4 hours. The preferred option would be to start at Pulborough at, or just before, high tide, with the ebb taking the paddler down in two and a half to three hours, landing at Arundel before there is too much mud exposed.

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

Further useful information can be found on the following websites:

Licence Information

The waterways on this trail do not require you to have a licence to paddle on them. However, if you paddle regularly and want to explore more places to paddle, you could consider becoming a member of Paddle UK. You’ll get a whole range of benefits as an On The Water member, including an annual licence to paddle on 4,500km of Britain’s waterways, liability insurance, and great discounts on paddling related products. Join today at www.paddleuk.org.uk

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Safety Information

We want you to have fun and a safe paddle! Here are some helpful tips to ensure you paddle responsibly and stay safe on your journey. Please take a moment to review these important safety tips:

– Always wear a correctly sized buoyancy aid

– Carry a mobile phone – in a waterproof case

– Tell Someone Where You’re Going

– Check the weather and conditions

– Know your limits

Check out some useful blogs and e-learnings on how to keep safe

Environment

Wherever and however you paddle, our Paddlers’ Code helps to ensure we can all enjoy and share the water safely and protect our precious environment.

Don’t get sick doing what you love. We know water quality is a concern for many paddlers. Click here for some simple advice on water quality and how to protect yourself.

Get informed, stay safe and make good decisions by checking the National Storm Overflow Map

Paddlers can play a vital role in keeping our waters free of harmful non-native species. It is crucial you Check, Clean and Dry you boat and equipment to prevent the spread. Click here for more information on Invasive Non-Native Species.

For more environmental advice and guidance, see our Blue Space Blogs section on the Paddle UK website.