Starting from Prinsted (just off the A259) this West Sussex walk explores the shoreline of Thorney Island which lies within the boundaries of the Chichester Harbour AONB. The route follows the Sussex Border Path for most of the way.
Technical sheet
n°293053
A Southbourne walk
posted on 04/07/16 by Walking Britain. Last update : 20/09/16
(S)From the car park in Prinsted follow the track west. Take the footpath on your right passing Thornham Farm on your left with the path soon becoming a track again. You are now on the Sussex Border Path and will follow it for most of the route. Reaching a road, cross straight over and continue on the path ahead. Reaching a T-junction with a track, turn right (grid ref. SU755501). The walk briefly heads north. Take the path on your left at grid ref. SU755052) to pass the southern end of a marina. You soon reach the shoreline.
(1)Turn left along the shore and follow it back to the start! Initially you have views across the Emsworth Channel to Hayling Island. You pass Wickor and Marker Points before the path turns towards the southeast with views now to Chichester Harbour.
(2)Reaching Longmere Point (the most southerly point on the island) you will see Pilsey Island just offshore with West Wittering on the shore at the far side the water.
(3)Turning north you have Thorney Channel on your right. Passing the Church and War Cemetery you continue north to Stanbury Point and back to the start.(E)
Waypoints
S/E : km 0 - alt. 1 m - Prinsted car park
1 : km 1.42 - alt. 0 m - Marina
2 : km 4.89 - alt. 0 m - Marker Point
3 : km 7.59 - alt. 2 m - Longmere Point
S/E : km 11.98 - alt. 1 m - Prinsted car park
Useful Information
This route follows the shoreline of Chichester Harbour around Thorney Island. There are good views across the harbour. The start is the small free car park at Prinsted just off the A259 (grid ref. SU765050). It is important that you consult tide times as the route may be flooded in one or two places at very high spring tides.
Parts of Thorney Island is Ministry of Defence land so short cuts across Thorney Island are not permitted. In the past access to this area has been strictly controlled with guards at the entry and exit points to MOD property. Access to the Church and adjacent cemetery has also be restricted. However this situation has recently changed so the advice is to read and obey any signs detailing access to the site.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
Date of walk : 22/06/21 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Enjoyable walk - we measured the distance as 8 miles. Path was a bit overgrown in places - watch out for the tall nettles! Be sure to bring water with you. Getting in to the military area was not a problem. St Nicholas church was very interesting ans a poignant reminder of the Battle of Britain.
dmcv
• Last modified:
Overall rating :
5 / 5
Date of walk : 16/04/20 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
This is a great walk. Very suitable for dogs. The gates in to the military area are controlled, You will need to press the buzzer. Lean on the gate as they sometimes only buzz the opening lock for a few seconds. Wave a thank you because you are on camera. There is no shelter on this walk. The Island is very flat and can be windy. No shade either so it is hot when sunny.
You can get a cup of tea or coffee at the Scout Hut in Prinstead on a Saturday or Sunday or Bank Holiday between April and October. They will appreciate your business. Otherwise no refreshments near this route. Go to Emsworth for pubs and cafes.
