This route was recce'd on saturated ground on 8/2/26 after a wet January and early February and there were many muddy stretches, especially (but not limited to) the half-mile or so to the south of the gates on both sides of the island onto the Thorney defence establishment.
This walk will go ahead in August 2026 if it is dry and there is not a heatwave (as there is not much tree cover), or may be rescheduled to late Spring or Summer 2027.
The plan is to use the bus for a change.
Meet at the Barley Mow at 9.35 and catch 31 bus at 9.43 to Havant. There are toilets at the bus station in Havant, but none after that point. Catch 700 Coastliner at 10.12 to Hermitage Bridge, Emsworth, arriving about 10.25.
Alternatively there is free parking on Lumley Road.
We walk southwards through Emsworth Marina and the gate controlled by the military. There is only one path around Thorney and as we go round we get views back to Hayling and then Itchenor and finally Chidham.
After passing through the other military gate, we take the footpath across the top of the peninsula back into Emsworth for late lunch. One option is The Ship, which serves food all day.
The total distance is 8.4 miles, with minimal height gain.
This is the planned route: