Walking
Walking around Chichester Harbour is always a joy. There are over 90km of public rights of way through the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Many of these paths run right along the shoreline giving fantastic views of the water. Others cut across farmland and through the picturesque harbour villages.
Below are brief descriptions of walks, the full details can be downloaded as pdf documents. We recommend using OS Explorer Map 120 (Chichester) when walking in this area. All of these walks have been taken from A Walker's Guide: Chichester Harbour which can be purchased from the Harbour Office or local tourist offices for £4.
Alternatively join one of the guided walks sponsored by Chichester Harbour Conservancy
Suggested walks
Emsworth to Langstone 8km / 5 miles
This walk uses shoreline paths and an inland route passing Warblington Church and an attractive area of woodland. There are plenty of benches on this route, so take time to stop and admire the view.
Nutbourne Circular 6.5km / 4 miles
This walk starts at Chidham then crosses fields to reach the harbour shoreline. From the shoreline there are fine views across to Thorney Island. From Prinsted the walk wends its way back past a small orchard and across farmland.
Chichester Marina to Dell Quay 7.5km / 4.5 miles
A 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 commerical port.
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.
West Wittering to Itchenor Circular 7.5km / 4.5 miles
Starting in the pretty village of West Wittering, this walk then follows a little used lane down to the shoreline. From the shoreside path there are fine views across to Bosham and the South Downs. The second half of the walk passes through a farm and across fields to complete the circuit.
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.
Northney Explorer 7.5km / 4.5 miles
Having crossed the busy bridge onto Hayling Island you soon reach the tranquility of Northney. The 12th century church with its pretty courtyard makes a pleasant midway resting spot before continuing through farmland to a short stretch of the shoreline.
Thorney Island Circular 13.5km / 8.5 miles
The ideal walk for those who love sea views. However, go prepared as there aren't any shops or refreshments stops once 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 ferry across the channel.
Chidham Circular 8km / 5 miles
A circular walk with some of the best panoramic views of the harbour. There is always something to watch on the water, whether it is groups of young people learning to sail or birds diving for fish.
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.
Short Strolls and Wheelchair Walks
Around the harbour are some hard-surfaced paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. This selection of seven walks all lead to viewpoints over the water, many include ideas for a picnic stop.
