The Thorney Island Stroll is a 9-mile round route, alongside the shoreline of this MOD-owned island in Chichester Harbour AONB. I walked it one September to point out you what to anticipate.
The Thorney Island Round Stroll is sort of the one factor to essentially do on the island – bar a spot of windsurfing. Thorney Island is definitely Ministry of Defence property, and there are military barracks on there, so though you may fortunately stroll round, you’re not allowed to stroll throughout. Or entry any a part of the barracks with out prior permission.
That doesn’t cease Thorney Island being an awesome place for a stroll although. In actual fact, I’d describe it as superb.
Are you able to stroll spherical Thorney Island?
I went on a September day final yr and was genuinely amazed on the views, and the gorgeous seashores the island is hiding from us!
It’s positively among the best coastal walks in Hampshire.
I barely met a soul on my Thorney Island Round Stroll – only a few runners and canine walkers, and one man swimming within the chilly waters.
I actually loved the few hours I spent strolling on Thorney Island and it was a very nice shock, provided that I couldn’t discover a lot information on-line beforehand. I needed to put in writing this information to the Thorney Island stroll that will help you plan your journey, however with out ruining a number of the stunning views you’ll uncover.
Anybody of medium health can do the stroll, it’s 9 miles, or 14km, on flat floor. I’d positively suggest taking a word of my Thorney Island Stroll ideas earlier than you go although.
Ideas for strolling spherical Thorney Island
You’re going to want three to 4 hours for the Thorney Island coastal stroll, relying on how briskly you go and what number of occasions you wish to cease. Additionally, how lengthy you wish to spend on Thorney Island Seashore.
Thorney Island is off the south coast of England, close to Emsworth however in West Sussex. It’s really solely a couple of 20-minute drive from my home so I’ll be again to do it once more someday.
There actually isn’t anything on the island, however that is all a part of the wonder as you may simply get pleasure from your environment with out distractions.
After all, this does imply you’ll have to take any provides you want with you. You may choose up stuff in Emsworth when you want, beforehand. Be sure you have sufficient water to see you spherical, particularly if it’s a sizzling day.
Parking for Thorney Island
I parked in on the little automotive park on the nook of Thorney Highway and Thornham Lane. This was simply by the beginning of the path and completely free, though there was most likely solely house for about ten vehicles so go off season, or early.
Should you can’t park there, there are many house in Emsworth – though you’ll have to pay, and you must permit about 5 hours. Keep in mind you’ll must stroll additional to reach right here too. There’s not a number of house for Thorney Island Stroll parking, however then there’s not lots of people that do it both so you ought to be okay.
Watch my video on the best way to do the Thorney Island Round Stroll
As a military base you should watch out the place you stroll on Thorney Island. There’ll be signal posts, so there’s no want to fret, you’ll know the place you’re allowed to go, however simply to take heed to the actual fact. Thorney Island was once a fighter station and base for Coastal Command through the Second World Conflict.
Begin of the Thorney Island Coastal Stroll
I had a little bit of an issue within the first couple of minutes as I used to be nervous about strolling throughout what felt like somebody’s land. Though, you may see from the video that it’s really signed as a Public Footpath, so it’s advantageous. It appears like this…
The primary a part of the stroll was previous horses, previous blackberries and raspberries I used to be too fearful to select, and previous a fairly harbour with loads of boats to get pleasure from.
It actually was a lovely day once I walked spherical Thorney Island, so it took me some time as I used to be so distracted by the vistas.
It’s laborious to discover a good map of the Thorney Island Stroll as Google doesn’t map it. You mainly begin on the automotive park close to Emsworth Yacht Marina and stroll alongside the Nice Deep, and simply hold following the Sussex Border Path spherical.
You’ll come throughout barbed wire entrances and gates that you just’ll have to buzz your self in. I by no means really needed to speak to anybody on these, however was simply let in based mostly on them seeing me on the CCTV after I buzzed. No dramas, though I’ve seen folks moaning on-line that generally there’s no reply.
Thorney Island Seashore
I got here throughout a stony seaside on my Thorney Island stroll, which on the time I assumed was essentially the most stunning factor ever.
After which as I carried on strolling I really got here throughout a white sand seaside that was unimaginable, and just about abandoned too. There have been just a few folks wind browsing on the market however it was simply me and one different couple on the Thorney Island Seashore for the half-hour I spent there.
I’d love to return again right here on a sizzling, sizzling day. The water was somewhat chilly once I stepped in it, however it was September in spite of everything.
The strolling route
To do that stroll you simply have to comply with the distant coast across the peninsula. You’ll see Slipper Mill Pond and stroll around the Ministry of Defence land – fixed reminders are within the indicators that line the route.
Stroll the mudflats alongside the 2 seashores and you’ll’t actually go mistaken.
I didn’t really stroll over to Pilsey Island however when you’re into your birds, that is an RSPB Chicken Sanctuary. Don’t neglect your digital camera and binoculars for the fowl disguise. Due to the shortage of farming, folks and building, the island is a haven for wildlife and residential to every kind of birdies.
As you come to the tip of the stroll you’ll move the water sports activities membership, and the Eleventh-century church of St Nicholas. Right here yow will discover some warfare graves too. Make sure that to maintain following the trail spherical for the stroll. I used to be tempted by the delights of the city, however you received’t be capable to get by with out permission so simply hold going previous the church.
Regardless of the church saying it was open, sadly it was really closed once I went to strive the door. See if you may get in!
You may need to stroll throughout these makeshift bridges in muddier components of the stroll.
Thorney Island Stroll health
Earlier than the stroll it’d been a very long time since I’d finished a stroll of that size. By the tip my legs had been throbbing and I used to be prepared for it to be over. I used to be strolling for about two and a half of the three and a half hours.
I did steps and burned over 2000 energy on the Thorney Island Stroll.
One of many very best issues in regards to the Thorney Island Stroll is that it doesn’t price you a penny for a lovely day trip in England. There’s nowhere to spend your cash, and nothing to spend it on – which implies you may have an excellent few hours of leisure at completely no price to you.
Bathrooms on Thorney Island
There are none. Gonna must work that one out for your self!
Are you able to drive on Thorney Island?
No, there aren’t any public vehicles allowed on Thorney Island. Solely pre accredited vehicles belonging to the MoD are allowed on the island.
Stroll round Thorney Island
Should you’re searching for a distant stroll in England, someplace kinda simple however secure and pleasant, then I’d positively suggest Thorney Island. Make sure that to look out for the seals on the harbour!
In case you have any questions on strolling on Thorney Island, simply let me know within the feedback beneath.
