Walk 94 Bosham to Southbourne (West Sussex)

 Walk  94   Bosham to Southbourne (West Sussex)

(Second leg of English coastal walk – Broadstairs to Lands End)

Map: L/R 197

Distance: about 8 miles or 13 km.
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Mainly footpaths, some pavements
Access: Parking at both ends
Public transport: 55A Bosham to Chichester every hour or so Mon-Sat (a few on Sundays). Rail link to Chichester at Southbourne

There is not too much to write about this quiet and pleasant walk.

Follow the path to the north out of Bosham until it meets the A259. Walk west along this road (which follows the route of the old Roman road) and turn down the footpath that leads to Chidham.

This village, which is a little inland from the coastal path, has been occupied for more than 4000 years (recent finds have confirmed this). The name Chidham is derived from ‘ceod’ (meaning bag or pouch) and ‘ham’ (meaning settlement) – it refers to the shape of the peninsula. St Mary’s Church, Chidham was built in the 13^th century.

On the walk around the peninsula a number of flood defences can be seen including piles of rocks in fields. Cobnor Point is at the southern most tip and there are good views across Chichester Channel to the West Itchenor area.

On the walk northwards is Chidham Point which provides good views of Thorney Island opposite. Around here is the Nutbourne Marshes Nature Reserve – a saltmarsh which is an important habitat for wildfowl and waders.

Follow the path round into the now expanding village of Southbourne.

Snaps show sea defence in a field; a caravan at Chidham; view from Cobnor Point; view from Chidham Point.