Emsworth and Warblington

Emsworth is always a lovely place to visit and this walk is an excellent excuse to go there. It can be as little as two miles long or can be extended at either end into Langstone or Emsworth itself;
naturally there are plenty of good places to go for a drink or something to eat. You do need to check
the tide however, it's impassable at high water.

The start of the central part of the walk is at the end of Warblington Road, where it meets the harbour; there's usually plenty of space. Heading west along the coastal park you soon come to Nore Barn
Woods which you skirt keeping near the estuary. It's very tidal here with acres of mudflats that are exposed much of the time attracting many waders and waterfowl, especially in Winter. Once past the woods the path heads south to go around Conigar Point before resuming in a westerly direction towards Langstone which is now visible in the distance.

It's a pleasant walk along the foreshore where the high water strand line is, always worth keeping an eye on. Along this stretch in winter will be plenty of Brent Geese, Redshanks and Oyster Catchers on the mud. In the gutters there will be wigeon and teal, especially where the Warblington Bunny flows out into the harbour. This is an old, local name for a stream and is a favourite spot for wildfowlers who follow the stony bed right out to the main channel keeping well clear of the soft mud either side.

Soon after passing this there is a sea wall and a signed footpath heading inland towards Warblington Cemetery which you need to take to make it a circular route.
This crosses a field that can get quite muddy in winter then enters the cemetery through an Iron gate. The path is well marked through this extensive burial ground that extends to the south and east of the pretty church. It's a rather busy place and fortunately, well looked after, with attractive iron gates at the entrances.

When you reach the road turn right in an easterly direction to return across farmland. These fields make a pleasant change from the coastline; if you look back you'll be able to see the remains of
Warblington Castle towering in the distance like a folly. The path crosses the stream that we saw earlier, drops down into a meadow then enters the north western corner of Nore Barn Wood.

There's plenty of Oak, Ash and Elder here which attract a variety of birdlife including many woodpeckers. Being so close to Emsworth it's a popular spot, especially for dog walkers so not an ideal place to see wildlife but there are plenty of squirrels and butterflies in summer.

Bosham Hoe

The start of this walk is the little car park at the end of the delightfully named Smugglers Lane which traverses the Hoe. It can be as little as 1.7 miles long if you're in a hurry, as the trail on the map shows, or about double that if you extend it by taking Shore Road around the harbour into Bosham village for a cup of tea.

Follow the short but attractive path through the woodland glade down to the harbour. If you carry
straight on you'll end up on the bank where the Ichi-bosham ferry can be boarded and carry you over to sample the excitement of Ichinor which is clearly visible.

By turning to the right you'll stay in more tranquil parts following a path that winds round the edge of the harbour between the marsh and farmland. Don't try this at high tide unless you've got waders on, the high water mark is well above where you can walk.

The channel on the other side of the marsh is a haven for wildfowl and waders especially when the tide is reasonably high so you can see more from the path. The winter, naturally, is best with plenty of Brent Geese filling the air with their croaks. The mud usually attracts many Redshank and Oystercatchers together with a few Curlew; if you're fortunate there will be a trip of Dunlin flying around like starlings.

In winter the mud is quite sticky so boots are a sensible precaution especially where small streams flow out from the fields. The views to your left of the Chidham peninsular are particularly attractive if you like boats as you pass the sailing centre and so many moorings in the channel. This is the part of the walk to be savoured rather than rushed, there's plenty of wildlife to see if you take the time to
notice it.

After half a mile an old landing stage comes into view leading to Bosham Harbour itself to the north. Here you can expect to see Mallard and Teal with a few Shelduck to liven up the landscape. It's a picture postcard view of the harbour from this side with the church, houses and moorings conveying a classic, timeless feeling.

This is where you can carry on along Shore Road to the village or head back the other way along the road back to Smugglers Lane. Whatever you do don't park on this road if it's anywhere near high Tide. Many have, and found to their cost that the substantial looking road floods, quite deep enough to cause a lot of damage to a car!

Returning along the road is pleasant enough as there's little traffic and the fields are quite interesting. To the left there's a shoot so in the winter months you can clearly see many pheasants lurking in one of several patches of cover crops. To the right are fields where birds pick and poke at whatever food they can find; crows seem to like it here too.

Not one of the longest walks in the harbour but always a good vantage point to see what's happening on the water, whatever your interest.

Church Norton

This is a brief circular walk starting off at Church Norton where there's parking.  The highlight is the view of Pagham Harbour, the sea is also good, then it returns along an inland path. St Wilfred's chapel, a pretty little church that was built in the 13th century sits in the midst of an extensive graveyard. It's now redundant but apparently is on the site of an earlier monastery built by St Wilfreds and was the parish church for Seal Island or Selsey as it's more usually know now.

Adjacent to it is Church Norton Mound which is what remains of a Norman castle built at the end of the 11th Century. There's some impressive earthworks and a moat of sorts but not much else to comment on apart
from the occasional moorhen.

The path leads down to the harbour which is frequented by bird watchers,

usually seen lugging great telescopes and tripods with them. In the picture there's a group of them, they like being together, perhaps a rarity has been reported which is certain to attract a band of twitchers. The Harbour is managed by the RSPB and renowned for the Little Terns that breed on an island in the middle; however this is winter and they aren't there today, just lots of seagulls.

You can follow the edge of the harbour round to the spit which leads out to the harbour entrance. This adds a bit of interest to the walk as well as making it a bit longer; there's usually more opportunity to see wildfowl here.

Following the sea for a short while, there are excellent views of the coast past Bognor where the Butlins camp is prominent, and on to Worthing. It's always good to see the sea and if it's blowy there can be some quite impressive breakers on the banks offshore.

Heading south you pass some reed beds which look like they're being well maintained which is good to see as they're such an important habitat.

It's not far before you come to a signpost indicating the path inland through some trees and across a field to some farm buildings, welcome to Pigeon Farm. The path turns right in front, and is littered with the rusty wrecks of various old bits of machinery; all sorts from caterpillar dumpers to cranes. One day it's going to cost a fortune to remove them all.

Further on there's what seems to be the remains of a small factory with a several radar domes in the yard at the back. They're clearly maritime in nature, what went on here in the past? Maybe something dating back to the Second World War when there was so much activity here.



At the end of the path is the road leading back to the Church and the car park. It's only 1.9 miles to go round, another mile or so if you go out along the spit; a route to savour the moments rather than the miles.

Lavant to West Dean

This walk is just right for certain people, it's flat all the way and there's a pub at the halfway point. It's also a delightful ramble through this picturesque valley heading out on the Centurion Way to West Dean and returning via the West Sussex Literary Trail.

It's just under six miles but very easy going on well established paths that are byways for the most part; the only down side is that it tends to be a bit busy at times, especially in the weekends.

The start and finish is by the cricket ground in Mid Lavant where there's plenty of room to park, usually right by the bridge that leads to the lane heading north.

This tracks the river Lavant and you can soon see the houses of Mid Lavant across the fields on the left hand side with Hayes Down, which is a pheasant shoot, on the right hand side.

After a short while the water works appears on the left where you take a short path that links the

Literary trail to the Centurion Way. This follows what's left of the old Chichester to Midhurst railway line and now forms an excellent cycleway from Fishbourne to West Dean.

There are plenty of reminders of the railway that was active up to 1970 carrying sugar beet from Singleton to Chichester even though passengers ceased well before. There are several bridges, most in good condition some with a few of the original maintenance markings which haven't faded yet.

Being so flat it doesn't take long to pass through the fields where sheep graze then under the road and up to the north of West Dean. The path finishes just past West Dean where the line formally entered a tunnel which is now home to bats and out of bounds. It is hoped that it will eventually be re-opened and extended the path to Midhurst.

Some steps lead down to the main road and The Dean public house which would be an ideal halfway house, alternatively there is the West Dean Stores very close by that sells drinks and is popular with cyclists as well as walkers.

Once refreshed it's only a hundred yards or so to the Lavant and a little foot bridge that crosses it leading to the path that goes uphill towards The Trundle; all very pretty with coppiced willow on the banks. Bordering it is the wall marking the boundary of West Dean gardens on the left; there are glimpses of them through the gates.

The main Literary path is about a quarter of a mile further on but if you like a to take a diversion there's a short path through the woods that adds a bit of interest.

Once on the Literary Path you're on the edge of Chalk downland that's frequently grazed by sheep so dogs need to be carefully controlled. Much of the time the paths are well fenced but there are spots where problems could occur.

The whole valley has many areas of natural vegetation and meadow so there are plenty of butterflies to watch out for, especially the common ones such as large whites and meadow browns. The views over to the other side of the valley, over the old railway line are particularly pleasing as long as they're not interrupted by a motorbike speeding along the road that also follows the valley.

There is a major junction after a mile or so with a short link to the Centurion way in one direction and a trailing fork leading back up the hill toward The Trundle. Eventually the chalk gives way to a path close to the river with meadows for grazing cattle. These, we are informed, are used by the Three Harbours Grazing Beef which is available a local Co-ops, sounds like it would be well worth a try.

In summer the path was strangely silent in sharp contrast with the Spring when so many song birds were making themselves known. All too soon the houses of Lavant appear on the right and we're back where we started.

West Dean & Singleton

This is a delightful ramble of eight and a half miles across the downs starting at the Trundle, passing

thorough West Dean, up to Hylters Lane then returning via Singleton. There are stunning views at many points of the walk as it meanders through some very peaceful countryside.







The start is at the car park at the foot of the Trundle so the first few steps are up to the top where, on a good day you can literally see for miles. There's a good view of Goodwood to the east, chichester to the south then the harbour to the West before you turn off towards Chalk Pit lane.







It's pleasant going downhill past The Rubbing House and into a lane running alongside a flint wall downhill through the woods. Plenty of gates showing that it's the West Dean Estate and all too soon you come out into the open where the lane leads into West Dean itself. From the picture you can tell that it's spring as the Lavant was in full flood. The willows that lined it's bank had just been pollarded so looked strangely bare. Crossing the road you follow a metalled road up the hill under a disused railway bridge.




Soon after the bridge you can leave the road and enter the woods again as you climb uphill towards the farmland at the top. Here the fields had recently been sown and the footpath obliterated but it's line was clear from the styles.
It's a pleasant change to but out in the open in a relatively empty fold of the hills.







Hylters lane, with it's well made up surface enables you to travel a bit faster which is compensation for the occasional tractor that impedes progress. Once you leave the road a well made track past some piles of logs opens up. I smile seeing a cover crop for game marked prominently as a nature conservation area.








It's then all downhill past Colworth Farm where we see the first of two Kites circling round; clearly well established now. There's a mix of woodland and grazing; as it's spring there's plenty of lambs protected by their mothers so Bonnie stays (reluctantly) on a lead.
Soon the village of Singleton is in sight at the foot of the hill which is soon reached after crossing the old railway once more and fording a stream.




The Partridge is an optional stop but although a coffee would be welcome there's rain in the air and it's prudent to carry on whilst it's still relatively dry. Just past the church there's a path that leads up the hill and back though some downland to the Trundle.

Compton Down

Sometimes it's really good to get away from it all, especially on a bank holiday when the roads are jammed. This walk around the downs to the west of the pretty village of Compton covers paths that are relatively lightly used and well away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. It's about five miles long with a few gentle ascents, wonderful views and a great sense of tranquility.

The start is in the village square where you can get a coffee if you need one to get moving. Take the road to West Marden south for a few hundred yards where you will find the first path well signposted. This leads through some pleasant fields and a small wood before meeting the lane along the field boundary and a junction with two other paths. Take the right hand path which leads  up the hill and around an area  of woodland.

If you have a dog it's a sensible precaution here to keep it on a lead as there are several areas of cover planted for pheasants with feeders; it's not a good move to get on the bad books  of the local keeper!

The day we went for this walk was at the end of August (Bank holiday Monday!) and was warm and sunny, ideal for butterflies which were flitting around along the margins of the path.

As you come round the top of the wood it's made clear that the path ahead is out of bounds with the footpath continuing to the right dropping

down to a junction with a bridleway in some woods. Care has to be taken here as there's a short footpath that cuts across two bridleways that can be confusing. The woods make a pleasant change, especially on a sunny day, the cool moist air is refreshing after walking over the hot fields.

The path then heads across several fields gently rising to to a trig point at the summit of the Down. These fields are particularly well managed for wild life with extensive field margins and plenty of trees at the boundaries as well as hedges. Plenty of small mammals attracts many raptors which can be seen soaring on the Downs here, not only Kestrels and Buzzards
but Sparrow Hawks too.

The view at the summit is limited as the trig point is away from the path and the south west obscured. Other directions are much better,  with outstanding views. Ditcham Park School stands out on the hillside to the north west as does Uppark to the north east.

It's an easy walk along the road past the only habitation on the
walk, Ekkensfield for half a mile or so. The route then follows a path across some fields that, in late summer, had just been ploughed up and rolled. In most places its not too difficult to see where to go on the other side but care needs to be taken.

Assuming that you can find the path, you'll pass over two narrow roads and arrive at the foot of Compton Down which is quite dramatic when compared with the downs we've walk over. It's always good to see a hill or two!

From then onwards it's a short descent to the road and then into the village where we started. If it's warm you might appreciate a pint from the excellent selection of beers that the landlord at the Coach and Horses maintains is this classic village pub that seems to evoke an age some time ago which was more leisurely. The food is good too and in winter a roaring fire would be just right after a cold walk.

Harting Down

This may be a relatively short walk but it's a very different part of the Downs where the views are simply stunning with a varied landscape. The start is on the Chichester to Petersfield road just before South Harting where you can find a National Trust car park just off the road.

The car park gets a bit busy but fortunately once on your way most of the people seem to disappear.  The path to take leads north east away from the car park up a slight incline.

The path follows the crest of a steep escapement, very soon there are wonderful views to the north and the pretty village of South Harting. The path runs parallel with a bridleway and as you rise to the top of Round Down the views just get better and better; to be savoured not rushed!

The path then descends through some patches of trees  to the

bottom of a valley where there is a junction with a path leading south down the valley and one climbing steeply up Beacon Hill; unfortunately that's the one to take! There's a good view of it on the way down and although steep, like most in the Downs it's not long and well worth the climb.

This is typical downland and, at the time of writing in high summer was still covered in flowers although many were past their best. There were plenty of songbirds too but as it was later in the year we relatively quiet.

Once the summit is reached there are even more impressive views, not only to the north but to the south right up to Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. The Trig point on the summit confirms that there's no more climbing!

You then need to take an attractive path south towards, but not as far as, Telegraph House. Just before it there's a trailing fork that you need to take, almost going back on yourself. It's not far along this path to a junction where you can head through woods in the right direction, South West, once more.

On a hot sunny day it's pleasant to be in the shade out of the direct sunlight as you pass though
woodlands punctuated by open sections of grassland. It's all National Trust land and maintained in the traditional manner by grazing it. The path makes a gentle descent to the floor of the valley, where it makes a junction with other paths enabling it to be extended or shortened as you please.

What goes down, comes back up again and the footpath straight ahead is the one to take rising through the woods. These appear to be quite ancient with many yews and is reminiscent of Kingsley Vale. It's a pleasant climb which soon approaches the main road once more; it's a shame that it's so busy with an excess of road noise. Fortunately the footpath keeps a bit further away from the road than the bridlepath and skirts rounds the edge of a field.

All too soon we're back at the car park. It's only three and a half miles but there's a quite a bit of climbing to give us some exercise. It's good in bad weather and as there's no pheasants close by it's ok for dogs as long as there's no livestock grazing.