Chidham

This walk can either be ‘there and back’ or circular. Both versions are flat, have panoramic views of Chichester Harbour and its wildlife and are of the same length.

We will meet at 9.15 in the West Town car park for the car share then meet at the Old House at Home pub, Cot Lane Chidham PO18 8SU. There is roadside parking opposite the pub. The first half of the walk takes us all to Cobnor Point giving us views of the Harbour, Downs, Bosham and the Isle of Wight on the way. At this point we have the option of dividing into two groups, choosing whether to return via the same route with its relatively good paths and lanes or complete the circular walk. In that case we would need to complete the first section of it by 12.00 midday because of the incoming tide on that day. If you do choose that option the return walk starts along the shoreline and then a dyke with one muddy crossing of a ditch before returning to the Old House at Home.

We have provisionally booked a table for 12 for lunch at The Old House at Home but being Easter Monday it would be useful if you could let us know if you're staying for lunch so that we can make changes in advance.

Frank writes:

During our walk we saw quite a lot of shorebirds including the following, Oyster Catcher, Swans, Little Egret & Dunlins. We could also hear a Skylark and a Curlew so it really worth bring some binoculars with you. I also mistakenly spotted some low flying sheep but I will let Peter explain that on the walk. Lovely batches of Primroses and Buttercups lined some of the ditches.

Just before we arrived at Cobnor Point we passed what look like disused pond workings with several large square concrete stones lying in the water, if anyone can share some knowledge what the pond was originally used for I would be interested

If you intend doing the complete circular route a good pair of walking boots would be advisable as when we did the recce we did encounter some muddy areas.

This is the circular route:

Click to show the route

Download the GPX file