A tide-assisted paddle through the heart of Sussex
Follow the River Arun upstream from the historic town of Arundel to the village of Pulborough on this guided full-day paddle. Aided by the tide, this 20km journey flows gently through some of southern England's most beautiful countryside, with the South Downs rising on either side.
A rewarding trip that covers real distance without feeling like hard work. The tide does the heavy lifting — you just enjoy the view.
Twenty kilometres of Sussex at its finest
We meet in Arundel with the castle towering above the river and set off as the tide starts to push upstream. The first stretch takes us through the town and out into open countryside, where the river begins to meander through water meadows that have looked exactly like this for centuries.
The beauty of this trip is the pace. The tide carries us gently, so the paddling is relaxed and there's time to take everything in — the birds of prey circling above the Downs, the flash of a kingfisher along the bank, the way the light changes as the valley opens up ahead. We stop for lunch on the riverbank somewhere around the halfway point, the kind of spot you'd never find without a boat.
The afternoon stretch passes through the Amberley Wild Brooks, one of the most important wetland habitats in the south of England. The river narrows, the banks close in, and the birdlife is extraordinary. By the time we reach Pulborough, you've covered twenty kilometres and seen a side of West Sussex that most people drive straight past on the A29.
Preparing for your trip
- Meeting Point: Mill Road Car Park, Arundel, BN18 9PA
- Duration: Approximately 9:30am to 3:30pm (times may vary with tides)
- Distance: 20km with tidal assistance
- Lunch: Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water
- Experience: Some previous paddling experience recommended for this longer trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the paddle?
Around 20km from Arundel to Pulborough. That sounds like a lot, but the incoming tide carries you upstream, so the paddling is much easier than you'd expect.
Do I need to be very fit?
A reasonable level of fitness helps as it's a full day on the water. If you're comfortable being active for 5-6 hours with breaks, you'll be fine.
How do we get back to Arundel?
There is a regular train service running between Pulborough and Arundel. The train stations are a few minutes walk from the launching/landing points at each end.
What should I bring for lunch?
Bring a packed lunch, plenty of water, and snacks. We stop on the riverbank partway through — it's one of the highlights of the trip.
What if the tide times don't work?
This trip is timed with the tides, so dates are limited.
At a Glance
What to Bring
- Towel
- Complete change of clothes
- Camera and snacks, if required
Practical Details
- Duration: 5 hours
- Season: Year-round
Important Info
- Location: Arundel
- Difficulty: Some Experience
Gallery
What People Say
“Phil was a great balance of professional and chatty. I had every confidence in him guiding our kayaking day. Thank you”
“Opportunity to do a kayak route I'd never dare to do on my own! Great views, pushing at limits but well looked after by Phil.”
“such a nice day for it, lovely host also, very welcoming.”
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