Arun Rally 2024

Launch from Pulborough (RH20 2BJ) at about 14:15

Launch from Stopham at about 14:45

Participant Instructions (click on the highlighted links in the text for What3Words maps): 

1. For those launching from Pulborough, space at the Swan Bridge is limited and only for use during unloading and later reloading of your craft. If approaching Swan Bridge from the north on the A29, drive across Swan Bridge (still on the A29) to the south side and the entrance to the small car park is immediately on the left. However, when you have finished unloading, for the duration of the rally, please use the station car park (on A283 west: Petworth direction) where their Sunday day-rate is a very reasonable £2.80. It is a short 5 minute walk back to Swan Bridge

2. For those launching from Stopham, please use the small quay on the far (north) side of the new road bridge. Please do not use the lawn of the White Hart Inn, this is private property. You will be able to park in the slip road leading up to the pub (see map below), though this can sometimes get quite congested.

BUT – the White Hart serves a decent pint and a nice lunch, so you might like to call in for sustenance before you start or for a refreshing drink at the end

3. The rally is free to enter for all. However, if you are able to make a voluntary contribution, marshals on the day will have donation boxes for cash and mobile payment devices for cards. All donations will be used for continued restoration of our lovely canal

4. Please respect the privacy of the banks on both sides of the river en route – it is all private property

5. On arrival at Pallingham, you will be welcome to step out onto the river bank but please be mindful of the fact that this too is private land: as such we would request that you do not wander off into adjoining fields! Please remove any litter that you have and please keep noise levels to a minimum. Many thanks for your understanding

6. Pallingham is the furthest point of the rally and while water depths occasionally allow small boats to go slightly further up, this year we will not be allowed to go above Pallingham

7. A company called Fluid Adventures run a canoe / kayak hire operation from Swan Bridge in Pulborough and we maintain very good relations with these guys. Please help us preserve this, as we share the slipway with them and want to keep friendly with them for the future.

8. Please remember that this is rally rather than a race! Take your time and enjoy the beautiful Sussex countryside as you pass through

9. It is recommended that people should wear sandals, beach shoes or wellies for pulling boats over pebbles up near Pallingham

10. For everyone’s own personal safety and as a good example to others, we request that all participants wear lifejackets or buoyancy aids at all times while on the water

11. Macklin’s have opened a new bistro adjacent to the Swan Bridge in Pulborough. Why not pop in at the start or the end of the rally (or both!) for some good food and a hot or cold drink – it’s really good and the staff are all very friendly.