Medmerry cycle paths

The Manhood Peninsula is the area between Chichester and Selsey. When I first started cycling here, it was possible to cycle (and/or push) along the massive shingle bank between Selsey and Bracklesham. However, soon afterwards work began on a major coastal realignment scheme, which created a breach in the shingle bank allowing the sea to intermittently flood the area behind, thus providing a 'safety valve' to reduce the battering this coast receives from the waves, thereby (ironically) reducing the flood risk to neighbouring habited areas. This literally knocked a hole in my route. Today, I decided to try out the new cycle paths around the newly flooded area. I believe they have not yet been officially 'launched': contractors will probably be working here till the end of the summer, but as far as I could tell the paths are for all practical purposes 'open for business'.

The new cycle route uses the access tracks skirting the inland bank of the new works: they are wide, with surfaces mainly of stone chippings. They are accessible from the East, through the West Beach 'Bunn Leisure' holiday park from Selsey, or from the West via a new access gate on the lane south of the village of Earnley. On the Western side, the path runs along the top of the bank, giving good views over the flooded area: actually, it's not permanent water, rather I imagine it will flood with the tides, storms, rainfall etc, creating a muddy zone which is ideal for birdlife. The site will probably soon be the equal of neighbouring Pagham Harbour as a birdwatching hotspot (black winged stilt have already nested here this summer, for example). Whilst it is a shame to lose the ride along the shingle bank, these new traffic-free off-road paths more than compensate: this is a win-win project for residents, visitors, cyclists and nature.

Incidentally I also tried out a link route between the visitor centre at Sidlesham and the new site: this uses quiet lanes and is a good shortcut if you do not want to make the complete circuit of Selsey Bill. Also, rather than using the road route via Earnley, you can continue to the coast at the western end of the site, and get to Bracklesham along the shingle bank (a stony push) or at low tide via the beach.