This venture into West Sussex is a good walk to see the two villages of Nutbourne and Prinsted, and the waterfront at the top of the Thorney channel.

It is another of the Chichester Harbour Conservancy walks, and I thank them as I have referenced their itinerary.

It's a particularly good walk for observing the sea-birds. It is a favourite spot for waders given the time of the year and the state of the tide. The best time to see the birds is on a falling tide, so don't forget to take your binoculars with you for this one.

Distance: 7.3 km, 4.5 miles

Walking Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Start/End: The Barleycorn pub on the corner of Cot Lane, Chidham

Access:
6 minutes drive from the Square in Emsworth
700 from Emsworth to The Barleycorn

Itinerary

Walk down Cot Lane.
Look out for the second footpath sign which is just off the road on the right. Turn right here. This path is lined with tall Poplar trees and leads down to the shoreline.
At the field edge, bear right for a short way and then up a few steps to join the path on the sea wall.
Turn right onto the shoreline path and follow it around the head of the channel.
The dark, low buildings on the opposite shore are part of the military buildings on Thorney Island. The marina across the channel is Thornham Marina. You may be able to spot the Spinnaker Tower in the distance.
You will eventually come to an open area with lots of benches.
Leave the shoreline here to turn inland and take the road to the right of the Southbourne Sea Scouts building.
At The Square, bear right and look carefully for a footpath sign on your right. There is a small wall to climb over.
Keep straight ahead on the footpath which shortly opens out to some fields.
After the fields go through the wooden gate, the path continues around the edge of a small orchard.
Continue along this path, for a short way it becomes a farm track, then returns to a footpath alongside a brick wall.
At the end of this section you will come out into a small area of housing. You are now in Farm Lane.
Continue along the road, take the footpath on the right alongside a wall.
When you come to a field, continue ahead to the shoreline.
At the shoreline path turn left. Take the next footpath on the left. You will shortly come to another footpath sign, turn right.
Keep straight ahead to rejoin Cot Lane.
At Cot Lane turn left to return to The Barleycorn.