Coastwalk

Emsworth → Fishbourne

Distance: 14.1 miles
Ascent: unknown
Duration: unknown

Around the harbour
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Another week off, time to see if I can close the gap between Emsworth and Peacehaven

During this first walk I didn't see the sea at all. The walk essentially involves tracing the outline of a number of inlets that feed into Chichester Harbour.

At Emsworth itself, the first choice is whether or not to walk around Thorney Island. This is MOD land, and in the interests of making progress I decided to leave it off - it is an island after all. Besides it'll make a lovely circuit for another afternoon.

The path traces the far shore of Thorney Channel before heading north again to round Bosham Channel. The village of Bosham on the east side of this inlet is likely to be charming in any weather. There was a slow drizzle when I reached it, but the view back across the quay to the village and church was so classically English I wondered if I was in a tourist brochure. The road nearest the water in the village is flooded at high tide, and a right of way across the mud flats points to a community that's comfortable living with the changing tides.

Eventually, the path runs out at Smugglers Hard where a seasonal ferry will take you across to West Itchenor. Walking out of season, I didn't have that option, so followed the lanes and paths inland to Fishbourne.