Chichester hikers celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Ford to Hunston Canal

200 years ago there was a huge flotilla of boats and barges that sailed from the locks at Ford through Yapton and Barnham then on via Lidsey, Colworth, Merston and Hunston. Now the route is largely recognised by footpaths although some sections have been reclaimed by landowners so a few detours are necessary from the original route.

Mostly the footpaths are well maintained and can be found on ordnance survey maps.

The walk was arranged by the Friends of the Old Ford to Hunston Canal who currently have a Facebook page, but have recently merged with the Burndell Bridge Society and reformed as the Ford to Hunston Canal Society.

The walkers were led by the knowledgeable Vince Anderson who explained the various points of interest along the route and a special visit was made to St Giles Bridge (Merston) which had been restored in 2009 by the Sussex Industrial Archaeological Trust. This is off the main route on farmland and only accessible by permission.

The main aim of the Society is to maintain access to the canal route and its features so that the public can continue to enjoy the benefits of walking and recognise our heritage in this area. Work parties are arranged to ensure that the route is not too overgrown. The local parishes are being encouraged to join in preserving the access to this historic route for all to enjoy.