4.6
(1212)
9,758
hikers
389
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Climping offer a blend of coastal and rural landscapes in West Sussex. The terrain is predominantly flat, featuring expansive shingle and sand beaches along the English Channel, as well as significant sand dunes within the Clymping Gap. Inland, routes follow the River Arun and traverse a patchwork of fields, providing diverse scenery for outdoor activities. This area is characterized by its accessible paths and low elevation changes, making it suitable for various fitness levels.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
4.5
(6)
31
hikers
6.83km
01:43
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
19
hikers
4.51km
01:08
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
12
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Climping
This is a pretty cool bridge, as it is one of the few retractable steel pedestrian footbridges in existence. The bridge linking East and West Littlehampton across the River Arun in 1981 has a retractable steel section to allow access to any piloted vessels upriver. It gives great views up and down the River Arun from here too.
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West Beach Local Nature Reserve is a pretty spot situated west of the River Arun in Littlehampton. It provides a much quieter area to walk in compared to the main beach in town and allows you the opportunity to stroll through a variety of beautiful habitats including sand dunes, vegetated shingle, sand flats and a small patch of saltmarsh.
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Littlehampton Lifeboat Station has been here for many years although the building has changed, as have the boats. Today we have a fast Rib which is towed in and out by tractor. Formerly there was a Blue Peter Lifeboat.
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Nice coffee, simple menu and very obliging staff on my last visit here. If you are on the west side of the estuary, this is the only place to be.
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Reasonable cafe, recently overhauled by new management with a smart, somewhat clinical interior. Normally lots of room inside and on nice days extra seating outside. We've used this place a lot in the winter as a destination for coffee and cake when it's too muddy to get up on the downs.
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Nice place to have a coffee and watch the world go by.
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There are 6 family-friendly hiking trails detailed in this guide for the Climping area, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate adventures. Most of these are considered easy, making them suitable for families with children.
Yes, many of the family-friendly routes around Climping are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. For example, the Climping Beach & West Beach Local Nature Reserve loop is a great option for a varied circular walk combining coast and nature.
The terrain around Climping is generally flat, making it very accessible for families. You can expect a mix of expansive shingle and sand beaches, paths along the River Arun, and rural countryside trails through fields. The area is known for its diverse scenery without significant elevation changes.
Yes, the West Beach Café loop from Climping is a fantastic easy walk that starts and ends near a café, perfect for a treat or a meal after your hike. Many coastal routes also pass by facilities in Littlehampton.
Climping offers several dog-friendly options, especially along the beaches and riverside paths. However, please be mindful of local signage, particularly in nature reserves like the West Beach Local Nature Reserve, where dogs may need to be on a lead or restricted in certain areas to protect wildlife and fragile dune ecosystems. Always clean up after your pet.
Climping boasts expansive beaches and unique sand dunes within the "Clymping Gap," which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. You can also explore the tranquil Swanbourne Lake, rich with wildlife, or follow the scenic River Arun Riverside Path. Many walks also offer picturesque views of Arundel Castle in the distance.
Absolutely! While hiking, you might catch glimpses of the historic Arundel Castle. Further afield but accessible, you can visit the impressive Hiorne Tower or the ancient Halnaker Windmill, offering great vantage points and a touch of history.
Climping is enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for beach and riverside walks, with longer daylight hours. Autumn brings beautiful colors to the rural landscapes, and even winter walks can be invigorating, especially along the quiet coast. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
The komoot community highly rates the trails around Climping, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1100 reviews. Hikers often praise the easy, flat terrain, the beautiful coastal scenery, and the peaceful riverside paths, making it an ideal destination for relaxed family outings.
Yes, for families looking for a longer adventure, the moderate Arun Retractable Footbridge – River Arun Pedestrian Bridge loop from Climping covers over 13 kilometers and offers a more extended exploration of the riverside and surrounding areas.
Given the coastal and riverside nature of the walks, we recommend bringing appropriate footwear for varied terrain (sand, shingle, paths), layers of clothing for changing weather, sun protection, and plenty of water and snacks. Binoculars can be fun for wildlife spotting, especially near the dunes and Swanbourne Lake.


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