Questions & Answers

Q1. Will there be enough space for parking? 

A1. Yes. There is almost unlimited space for parking, with overflow fields, but it costs £5 (June week-end rate, until mid-afternoon then £3).

Q2. What about traffic?

A2. When the weather is very good, and later in the day, the beaches can be popular and so there can be be a bit of a traffic queue for the beach car-park (unless you arrive early).

Q3. What about public transport?

A3. You can travel by train to Chichester and then Stagecoach bus from the bus stop opposite the railway station to a pub about 10 mins walk from the beach. Dogs go free on the train, and Stagecoach confirmed that they are allowed on the bus for free at the discretion of the driver (e.g. might say no if other animals already on board). Then follow the footpath from the bus stop by the Old House at Home pub to East Head (see the map in the Joining Instructions under "News and links").

Q4. Are dogs allowed on the beach? What about crowds of people?

A4. The beach area directly in front of the car park / beach huts is a Blue Flag beach and often full of people - so it's a "no-dog zone" in June. So, courtesy of the National Trust, we will meet on the big sandy beach on the side of East Head (which has fewer people and more dogs) - see "Where?" page.

Q5. Is there fresh water on the East Head beach?

A5. Yes - but only in the car park. So there will be water containers brought along for the hounds (it may be a hot day!) and we'll fill them from the taps spaced in the car parking area.

Q6. Are hound allowed off the lead to run free? What about muzzles?

A6. These are public beaches, so other breeds of dogs were using the East Head beach - it's popular with dog walkers. So it's really important that we all keep our greys under control to avoid any incidents that could harm their reputation as friendly pets. Also the National Trust and West Wittering Estates asked us to keep our hounds on lead and muzzled (this doesn't apply to the non-sighthounds coming with their hound house-mates). We know the hounds would love to run free - but like last year we're asking everyone to help by complying with these requests. We will still have lots of fun (see pictures!) - but this way we avoided tears, and set the scene for a 2009 event.

Q7. Will the tide be out? Where was the softest sand? Was there any shingle?

A7. Low tide will be around 2:00pm on the chosen date. All the sand is soft - but some around the North end of the beach and on the North side of East Head is so soft you sink 2" into it. Bliss........ There are a few patches of shingle - but it's almost all sand.

Q8. What sort of games & competitions will there be?

A8. Our ideas are developing... but we expect to keep the best of the RtB07 games and maybe some new things. We'll probably do the 100-yard dash (humans attached) again but split it into two grown-ups races for dogs and bitches to complement the kids’ Bonio & spoon race. Suggestions welcome!