Walking is a great way to discover the landscape and wildlife of Chichester Harbour. There are over 56 miles of public footpaths with a further 7 miles of permissive routes within the National Landscape. Many of the paths run close to the shoreline, with fantastic views across the water. Others cut across farmland and through picturesque harbour villages.
Where to walk:
Take a look below to see some of our recommended routes – these are downloadable leaflets with maps and easy to follow instructions.
Walking with dogs – be wildlife aware:
Chichester Harbour is one of the most important sites for wildlife in the UK, home to tens of thousands of wading birds and wildfowl in the winter, and breeding seabirds in the summer. These birds need space to feed, rest and nest, so please avoid disturbing birds by keeping dogs under close control or on a lead, and sticking to the paths.
Footpath closures and notices:
Thorney Island
The circular route around Thorney Island is a popular walk however footpath 202 has been closed for over a year due to an issue with the sluice gate on the eastern side. WSCC have closed the footpath due to a survey identifying the footbridge over the sluice being unsafe for pedestrian use. The responsibility for repairing the bridge falls to the owner of the sluice gate and bridge, however ownership is unclear and there are discussions underway between the Ministry of Defence, Southern Water and the Environment Agency as to who has responsibility for the structure. This is a source of frustration to Chichester Harbour Conservancy and we hope the issue will be resolved in the near future.
Bosham – Colner Creek
Footpath 230 at Colner Creek has been closed for several months due to damage to the sea wall. Conversations are continuing with the landowner, it is currently unclear when the matter will be resolved, therefore the footpath remains closed for the foreseeable future.
Fishbourne/Apuldram
Footpath 3059 is located south of Fishbourne, along the sea wall near Appuldram. The sea wall suffered severe damage during Storm Eunice in 2022, and the footpath was closed. An adjacent route, Footpath 555, is popular with walkers and a boardwalk installed by Chichester Harbour Conservancy ensures the coastal route remains accessible here. Chichester Harbour Conservancy and its partners are developing plans to create saltmarsh habitat here, maintaining access.
Recommended Routes
Emsworth to Langstone Oysterbeds
10km / 6 miles
A shoreline walk from Emsworth to Langstone in Chichester Harbour with an extension to the Hayling Billy Line and Old Oyster Beds in Langstone Harbour. The route floods at high tide in a couple of places, so check the tide times before setting out.
Prinsted and Nutbourne Circular
3km / 2 miles
A stroll along easy paths, with one old-fashioned stile, following the shoreline from Prinsted to Nutbourne Bay with views of the Thorney Channel. Ideal for bird watching in the wintertime on the mudflats at low tide. In summer watch the dinghy sailing at high tide.
Itchenor to West Wittering Circular
18km / 11 miles
A circular walk from Itchenor to East and West Wittering. Includes sections along the shoreline, fields and coastline with views to the Isle of Wight, before reaching West Wittering beach and the dunes of East Head.
Itchenor Circular
6km / 4 miles
A walk encircling the Harbour village of Itchenor, passing through farmland, attractive housing and along the shoreline path, with splendid views of the Harbour.
Chichester Marina to Dell Quay
7.5km / 4.5 miles
A short figure-of-eight walk taking in one of the largest marinas in the country and the tiny village of Dell Quay which was once a busy commercial port.
West Wittering Beach & East Head
6km / 4 miles
A walk along the sandy beach of West Wittering and around the sand dunes of East Head with far-reaching views across to the Isle of Wight.
Thorney Island Circular
14 km / 9 miles
The ideal walk if you love sea views beginning in Emsworth and heading south east to the shoreline of Thorney Island, famous for its role as an airfield during WWII. Much of the land is controlled by the MOD, so please note any signage before starting out. At Marker Point look out for seals. There are no facilities on the island.
Two Villages and a Ferry
16km / 10 miles
Starting in the village of Bosham, the walk cuts across the peninsula then passes through reedbeds to a traditionally managed meadow. Heading down the Fishbourne Channel, the route goes through Dell Quay before arriving at Itchenor to catch the seasonal ferry across the channel.
Chidham Circular
9km / 6 miles
A shoreline and countryside walk of the Chidham peninsula in the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with great views of the Bosham and Thorney channels and to the Harbour entrance. Check when high tide is before setting out as part of the route is tidal but it is lovely to see the tide part way in.
Chichester to Bosham
7km / 4 miles
Starting in the heart of Chichester, this one-way walk leads through urban outskirts to the meadows at Fishbourne. The route then takes in sections of the shoreline before it reaches the ancient village of Bosham. This walk can be extended by following ‘Across the Harbour’.
Across the Harbour
10km / 6 miles
A one way walk across the top of the Harbour channels, ending in the vibrant village of Emsworth. This can be extended as a continuation of the Chichester to Bosham walk.
Sandy Point Stroll
3km / 2 miles
This short walk on Hayling Island has splendid views of the Harbour entrance, the Sandy Point Nature Reserve, and to the wider Solent in general.
Six Harbour Villages
16km / 10 miles
An attractive walk in the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty walking through the countryside and along the shoreline of six Harbour villages and crossing a channel by ferry.
Easier Access Routes
Itchenor
1.6km / 1 mile
From Itchenor car park follow the John Davis permissive path to the shoreline. Follow the path left to a viewpoint looking across the Harbour to the Bosham Channel. Return the same way if using a wheelchair, or if not you can go via a path through the boatyard to reach the viewing platform by the Harbour Office.
Emsworth
1.6km / 1 mile
A stroll on good paths around the thriving Harbour side settlement of Emsworth with a choice of cafés and pubs. Check for high tide in order to see the water and boating activity. Solar Heritage, our solar powered boat operates from the public jetty during the summer holidays. It has a wheelchair ramp.
Bosham
2km / 1.5 miles
A circular route from the village car park passing the shops of Bosham Walk, the church and the quayside with splendid views to the Harbour. It follows the shoreline road and raised pathway called The Trippett, past pretty houses and a pub called The Berkeley Arms and The Millstream Hotel.
Chichester Marina
1.7km / 1 mile
A lovely stroll around the perimeter of Chichester Marina with two short optional extensions of walking around Salterns Copse and visiting Birdham Pool. The circuit around the Marina perimeter is suitable for visitors who use a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
North Common
2km / 1.25miles
A short stroll through scrub and along the shoreline, with views to Emsworth and the South Downs. At the start is a kissing gate and a 1-bar gate with a RADAR padlock. Suitable for those using a wheelchair or mobility scooter for about half the total distance. Great for winter bird watching.
Chichester Harbour Trail – Three days of walks
For a longer, multi-day walk to see the best of Chichester Harbour, try our self-guided three day trail:
Day One A 18km (11½ mile) linear coastal and shoreline route of Chichester Harbour starting at the famous sandy beach at West Wittering and passing by the National Trust sand dunes of East Head, Itchenor, a hub for sailing and the base for the Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Birdham, home to Chichester Marina, Dell Quay which has the Crown and Anchor pub on the shoreline and finishing by the Mill Pond in Fishbourne.
Day Two A 15km (9½ mi) linear countryside and shoreline walk in the Chichester Harbour AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) starting by the pond in Fishbourne and heading west, crossing a peninsula to the picturesque settlement of Bosham and then heading north and around the head of the Bosham Channel before following the shoreline of the Chidham peninsula, finishing in Nutbourne at the head of the Thorney Channel.
Day Three A 17km (11 mile) linear walk along the shoreline of Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This third day begins at Nutbourne and heads west through Prinsted and then south to follow the shoreline of Thorney Island all the way round until it reaches Emsworth. From here the route heads along the quay wall and westwards to Warblington, finishing in Langstone
All walks are available as an A4 sized pack entitled Explore Chichester Harbour which can be purchased from the Harbour Office for £12. Alternatively, we recommend OS Explorer Map OL8 (Chichester) when walking in this area.
Walking Tips
- Before you set out, check for closures or diversions on our footpath news page.
- Please respect other people you may encounter on your walk, some of the more popular footpaths are very busy at different times of the year, particularly between Fishbourne and West Wittering and also Prinsted to Cobnor Point.
Walking in Hampshire and West Sussex
The counties of Hampshire and West Sussex offer some of the best walking in the south. Plan your next route by visiting Walking in Hampshire or Walking in West Sussex.