Sussex Border Path
Thorney Island Circular, Hampshire
(9 Miles)
Jutting out into Chichester harbour, Thorney Island was used as an R.A.F. Station until 1976. It has thus remained remote and free from commercial development. The remote shoreline path offers fine views over the harbour and the vast number of sea birds which congregate there.
This section of the walk is circular from Emsworth, Hampshire and is described in a clockwise direction. Start from the 'Royal Oak' P.H. by the 'Slipper Mill Pond' at Eastern end of the town where inner ring road (A27) joins old road through town. (GR 753058). Walk eastwards from Mill pond on south side of A27. In 150 yards, opposite row of cottages (31 - 36 Baytree Cottages), turn right along twitten between house and lock-up garages. Pass cottage called 'Ropemakers' and go ahead (S) over stile. Continue along edge of next 2 fields following overhead power lines, and joining an access road by cottage called 'Offshore'. Cross Marina access road and walk between fence and wooden shed, with 'deckhouses' on stilts on right.
In about 150 yards, turn left over stile and walk across middle of field to reach road. On other side near entrance to 'Thornham Treatment Works', cross stile by gate and follow an enclosed path with wire perimeter fence to right. Go ahead in same direction on open track and pass through farmyard at 'Thornham House'. Continue eastwards on access drive between 2 brick pillars and in 200 yards, at he end of lane from Prinsted, turn right on footpath along edge of water.
From here follow shoreline fairly closely all the way round island. When approaching Emsworth, on West side of island, cross dyke closing off 'Great Deep' (7 1/4) and 'Little Deep' to reach above-mentioned 'deckhouses' again (but to West of them). Keep to seaward side at first, but then turn right over shingle area. Pass the end of 2 'Marina Pools, and turn left (about 60 yards before reaching path used on outward leg). Pass some more 'deckhouses' on right and go ahead to left of boatyard buildings. A lane then leads along edge of 'Slipper Mill Pond' to come out opposite 'Royal Oak' P.H. on A27.
Map of Sussex.
Each letter represents a section of The Sussex Border Path. Click on a Letter for information on this section of the walk.
'Walking The Sussex Border Path'
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