Low tides are a walker’s paradise.  The sea recedes, exposing vast flats of compact sand, interspersed with rocks and tidepools.  We are used to burning calories as we toil on shingle beaches, but when the sea pulls back we head down for the easier walking offered by the wet sand.  We keep our heads down, looking out for all sorts of interesting finds which are left behind by the tide.

Today, in the distance, we could see the Arun Offshore Platform.  This stands about two miles out at sea and hosts oceanographic and meteorological equipment on behalf of the Channel Coastal Observatory.

This morning, however, the best sights were to be seen by looking up.  The half moon was still visible.  The day was clear enough for us to make out craters on its surface.

A police helicopter appeared, also looking striking against the crispness of the sky.

Yes, low tide on a summer’s morning is most definitely our favourite time to walk.

Points on this part of the walk (copy and paste the co-ordinates into Google Earth):

• The Beach at Goring-By-Sea: N 50° 48.250 W 000° 25.555
• Approximate Position of Arun Offshore Platform:  N 50° 46.195 W 000° 29.462

Walk #55 Statistics (of which this post forms the second part):

• Date of Walk: 1 June 2013
• Walk #55 total distance covered: 8.58 miles
• Coast of Britain Walk Total Distance Covered: 454.22 miles
• CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO INTERACTIVE MAP!!!