RSPB Medmerry Cycle Trail

Medmerry is the low lying area behind the coast between Bracklesham and Selsey. Sea level rise posed an increasing threat, and rather than continuously raise the sea defences it was decided to breach these defences and allow the sea to flood the area behind. This work was completed in 2014, with the flooded area being contained by an embankment, and the whole has become an RSPB reserve, to complement the long established Pagham Harbour reserve to the East. Here is a copy of the reserve map.

A good cycle trail circumnavigates the site, mainly with a surface of loose chippings. This can be enjoyed either as an easy, flat cycle ride in its own right, or as part of a longer largely traffic free circuit from Chichester, as described in this blog: in summary this comprises NCN2 from Chichester, then Regional Route 88 to the RSPB Visitor Centre at Sidlesham; cycle trail through the Medmerry Reserve, exiting via Earnley to Bracklesham (where there is a nice cafe, Billy's on the Beach); then on to West Wittering on a mix of coastal path, back roads or - at low tide - the beach; finally, Salterns Way back to Chichester.

There is also access through the Bunn Leisure complex at Selsey: although there are barrier gates for cars, these allow passage of pedestrians and cyclists.

Here is a Google map of the cycle trails followed by some photos.

RSPB Visitor Centre, Sidlesham

Exit the Visitor centre car park (Route88 comes in from the right, Medmerry to the left)

Good track from Visitor centre to Medmerry Reserve

The Medmerry tracks link to RR88.

Typical tracks around the reserve

Viewpoint at the North Western side of the breach

Looking towards Bracklesham (it's a long push on shingle)

OK, I cheated and put this rather dull photo through Snapseed

At the viewpoint on the South East side of the breach

The area inundated by the sea

Gigantic rock blocks defend the mouth of the breach

There is access to the Bunn Leisure complex round the side of this gate. You can cycle through the complex and on to Selsey.

Track behind the beach at Selsey 

The track from Bunn Leisure Complex (recently reestablished having been washed away)

The track leading out of the Bunn Leisure complex on Chainbridge Road

Access to Medmerry is via this bridge (presumably formerly a chain bridge)

Billy's on the Beach at Bracklesham is a great place to soak up some rays whilst enjoying coffee and cake