Waterways > River Arun
River Arun
The navigable River Arun runs from Greatham Bridge near Pulborough downstream to the sea at Littlehampton. It joined the Arun Navigation, and then to the Wey & Arun Canal, at Pallingham Quay, a short distance downstream of Greatham Bridge.
Map showing the navigable River Arun
Facts and Figures
16 miles
(25.4 km)
Length of the navigable River Arun
0 Locks
There were no locks on the navigable River Arun – but there were on the River Arun Navigation – see Wey & Arun Canal
Waterway Notes
Boat Dimensions
The maximum size of boat that can use the navigable River Arun is
- Length: unlimited, but vessels between Littlehampton and Arundel should not exceed 110′, in order to get round the bends
- Width: not limited by any locks
- Draught: 4′ to Greatham Bridge; greater draught further downstream
- Headroom: The railway Bridge at Ford is now fixed, so only small vessels can pass – but until 1938 it was a rolling bridge, with the rail lines rolled back to allow large vessels to pass.
Navigation Authority
At Littlehampton, the river is controlled by Littlehampton Harbour Board (previously, to 1927, the Commissioners of the Port of Arundel). The upper portion of the river, from Greatham Bridge to Arundel Bridge, was once controlled by the Commissioners of Sewers for the Rape of Arundel, but it is now a free navigation.
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