6 minute read
Shoreham-by-Sea Walk
SHOREHAM-BY-SEA
Having suffered a stroke a few years ago, Keith Mason can walk unaided, though his range his greatly reduced. The scooter he purchased in 2014 has given him the freedom to remain independent. “It’s restricted to 4mph on the pavement and 8mph on the road,” he told me. “There’s no road tax, but scooters need to be registered.” SCOOTER LOOP From the car park, exit right, towards the main road, before turning left to cross the Norfolk Bridge. The original incarnation of the Norfolk Bridge was a chain link bridge in 1833, replaced in 1922 by a bowstring girder bridge, replaced in 1987 by the current box girder structure.
At the roundabout, cross over to the south side of Shoreham High Street and continue for about 300m before turning right, and crossing the Adur Ferry Bridge, which offers lovely views of the estuary. This bridge was installed in 2013 to replace the old Adur footbridge, which provided a pedestrian crossing from WALK Harbour Way. Turn left and follow the road as it curves left, then right and south, before turning left into Forthaven and walking as far as the barrier. On the right the boardwalk leads into the 26-
When one of our readers, Keith Mason, acre Shoreham Beach Local suggested we create a walk for people riding Nature Reserve. The boardwalk, made mobility scooters we thought it a great idea. of recycled plastic was first So we asked him to team up with Robert Veitch installed in 2011 and has been extended three times. It to plot an interesting route around the River would seem that people using Adur and Shoreham Beach the boardwalk, allows nature to prosper on the shingle. Flora includes Rock 1921-2013. On the far side, far as Hancock Close. Turn Samphire, Red Valerian, Sea the ramp and steps both left into Hancock Close and Kale, Tree Mallow, Viper’s lead to the junction with walk to the far end where Bugloss and Yellow Horned Riverside Road. a ramp and steps lead up Poppy. Lizards and slow
Turn left and continue to the riverfront at Sussex worms are also in residence. for half a mile past the Wharf. Turn right and walk “It’s lovely and smooth,” coastal bungalows, east, then follow the path as noted Keith, “It makes the sweeping through it turns south, along Osprey beach accessible for scooters. the S-bend, as Walk, to the junction with Wonderful.” At the very end of the boardwalk, it turns right to join Beach Road. Cross over and scoot down the slope to the junction with Beach Green. Turn right and continue for about 200m, before crossing over to the wooden bollards on the other side. Take the steps or the ramp up to Riverbank and head west along the path. It’s an otherworldly experience passing the houseboats, offering a wonderful parade of style, design and
desirability; occupying almost half a mile of estuary frontage.
At the junction with the main road, turn right and continue to the traffic island, opposite the car park entrance. With a generosity of spirit the traffic stopped to allow Keith to cross; as it parted like the Red Sea for Moses he made swift progress through the divide.
Entering the car park it was time to reflect. “It’s been absolutely great, really interesting and quite different to how I might normally scoot. A really pleasant and glorious walk, mostly beside water and well worth making the effort for.” WALKERS LOOP From the car park turn left, and follow the road past the Sea Scouts hut into the car park. Bear left, then immediately turn right by the metal gate, and follow the path under the Shoreham Railway Bridge, which dates from 1893. Emerging atop the levee, to the left is the airport, to the right is the Adur, and all around are colourful flowers.
One issue we thought we might encounter was the difference in accessibility for the able bodied and for those on scooters. And so it came to pass, 500m beyond the bridge where the path was blocked for construction works. Keith made a 10-point turn and headed back to the car park. But, for the able bodied who wish to continue…
Slither down the left bank to the road and continue carefully towards the traffic or along the earth track running parallel. As the road bears right, around the corner, stay on the verge and continue to the T-junction with Old Shoreham Road, before turning right towards Shoreham Tollbridge.
The first Tollbridge was built in 1781, to be replaced in the same style in 1916. It remained in operation until 1970 (as part of the A27) and was the last public toll bridge in Sussex to be closed.
It was refurbished in 2008 and in the centre is a memorial to the air show crash of 2015. On the far side, the path joins the Downs Link by the 11 arches memorial – one arch for each victim that day.
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Turn right and walk south, under the Shoreham Railway Bridge once again, past the wooden sculptures, before easing left into Little High Street and back to the roundabout. Turn right and head back across the Norfolk Bridge to the car park, hopefully with pleasant memories of a nice walk to take home… l
Robert has tested the route personally, making sure it is suitable for walking. However, even he cannot guarantee the effects of the weather, or roadworks, or any other factors outside of his control. If you would like to send your feedback about a local walk, please email editorial@sussexliving.com
Distances: Scooter Loop 4 miles Walkers Loop 2 miles Walk Time: Scooter Loop 1½ hours Walkers Loop 45 minutes Elevation Gain: 18m (60 feet) Calorie Burn: Approximately 500kcal Public Toilets: At Adur Recreation Ground, Forthaven and at Beach Green Map: Explorer OL11 Parking: Free parking at Adur Recreation Ground, (on the A259) Brighton Road BN43 5LT
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