The harbour limits extend for six miles from the sea to the old bridge road at Arundel
although navigation is possible for small craft as far as Stopham Road Bridge, a
distance of 20 miles. There are, however, several low bridges to negotiate if attempting
this passage and at low water shallows will be found at Warningcamp, Ford, North
of Stoke Bridge, the Black Rabbit Hotel and in the vicinity of Offham Bridge.
Mariners attempting this passage will find it most rewarding in that there is an abundance of flora and fauna to observe.
Tidal differences on the river are +25 minutes at Ford, +50 minutes at Arundel, +1 hour 30 minutes at Houghton Bridge and +4 hours at Pulburough. In view of these tidal differences, to make the best of your time, leave Littlehampton one hour before high water and transit up river on the flood stream. This will give you an hour in the Old Swan at Pulburough before you must depart Littlehampton. Delaying your return will increase the risk of grounding in the shallow areas.
Tide gauges are situated at Littlehampton on the West Pier, Speedboat Steps, the Scrubbing Piles, Town Quay, the footbridge and Railway Wharf. There are also gauges at Arundel between the two road bridges, adjacent to Houghton Bridge, at Greatham Road Bridge, the Old Swan Bridge and Stopham Road Bridge. Littlehampton tide gauges are set to Littlehampton Chart Datum and all others to Ordnance Datum.
For advice on clearances under bridges and tidal constraints please contact the
Harbour Office,
Telephone: 01903 721215
Facsimile: 01903 739472,
Email: harbour@littlehampton.org.uk
VHF71
The rod licenses required to fish in the river or from the beach can be obtained from any Post Office, through Telesales Service on 0870 1662 662 or the Environment Agency
Harbour Board