Chidham: a Remote Coastal Walk

Sylvia Saunders

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Under Revision whilst a photo is being sorted out 13.6.19

A circular, flat walk taking in all the beauty of this remote stretch of West Sussex coastline. Starting from The Old House at Home in Chidham, the route takes you to Cobnor Point, which is part of Nutbourne Marshes Local Nature Reserve. This is owned by Chichester Harbour Conservancy and covers the northern and eastern parts of Thorney Channel, including the narrow islands known as North and South Stakes.

These islands are one of the most important wader roosts in the harbour and sometimes support nesting seabirds. The majority of the reserve is saltmarsh and mudflats which are internationally important habitats and support thousands of wildfowl and waders in winter.

Returning towards Bosham with lots of sailing-boats to amuse you, there is a beautiful backdrop of the South Downs. Dog-owners may find it useful to know that my Labrador managed this walk with ease - and thoroughly enjoyed himself!

Please check the tide times before leaving for this walk as Cobnor Point can be impassable at high spring tides. http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/

England - South England - West Sussex - Coast

Features

Birds, Church, Good for Kids, Great Views, Mostly Flat, Pub, Sea, Wildlife

7/31/2018 - James Brinkworth

Very nice stroll around Chichester Harbour. The coastal path between waypoints 4 and 5 is now very difficult. Indeed we came across a somewhat bloodied walker who had gone along the coastal path here! Much better to take the well signed, slightly inland alternative path that starts a few metres past wp4 and rejoins at wp5. Other than that, it's a lovely walk that I'll definitely be doing again sometime.

3/29/2011 - Andy McTaggart

Absolutely Love this tranquil and gentle wander. My wife and I spend hours on the way round taking in the big skies, the wonderfully liberating feeling of vast open spaces, together with the ever present bustling boating activity and wide variety of bird life. Be it high or low water, this enchanting walk is an absolute gem and a must for all walkers. Big Thanks to Sylvia Andy McTaggart

2/7/2011 - Richard Clayton

Did this walk yesterday on a cold, very windy and totally grey day. Mis-read the tide tables and had to improvise near Cobnor Point! All of Sylvia's instructions are still spot on. Thanks very much.

1/31/2007 - Kay Sumpner

We set out on a blustery Sunday (28 Jan)afternoon - having checked the tide tables. Essential! A very pleasant walk for us and our 2 border terriers. But all three of us humans really felt that we had done a fair old walk when we finished. Walking on the flinty beach was probably the culprit. Would not want to have tackled it without stout boots with ankle support. Some nicely placed benches with views to the eastern tip of the IoW were much appreciated.

12/17/2006 - Susie Wilde

Still a lovely walk but do check the tide tables : it was impassable at Cobnor point (bench was under water!) before high water. New sea defences have been built inland, so make the most of this while you can!

8/13/2006 - Richard Edy

This was a delightful walk for coastal lovers, lots of boats,wild fowl and beautiful scenery -- one warning though, check the tides, if its a Spring tide you might find it idficult to get round some of the footpath renovation work...

7/4/2006 - Brian Hughes

A really good coastal walk from the indefatigble Mrs Saunders. Sadly we got about half way round when the heavens opened so some of the nicer views at the end were lost as we squelched back to the car. Brian and Susan Hughes

3/13/2006 - Jim Stevens

Thanks for the walk we all enjoyed it very much. The weather was not quite as good as it was when you did it. The pub was a good end to a good walk. Once again thanks for your efforts. Jim Stevens 13/3/2006