Fishbourne Creek

Those of you that like either an occasional walk around a local route – with the means to park, grab a drink and some food – yet still get to see the beauty as well as the contrast of the area need look no further than Chichester Harbour.

Head out of the City towards the west – and take the A259 off the Fishbourne roundabout toward Emsworth. just under a mile there is a turning left down past the side of The Bull Inn, and park up next to the pond.

This is the Millpond for the Fishbourne Mill, which will be that white building in front of you. lock up, and take the turning to the right over the  Mill outlet (a small bridge), and on out through the reedbeds,  crossing over a small bridge.

Once you are up on the Shore path you can walk all the way around, heading south with the harbour to your left, and the fields to the right. If you have the kit, then if it is blowing, you might find you could need it. In the winter coming off the sea the wind does cut into you.

From here you continue all the way down to a small woodland – where again there is a pond, and if you keep your eyes open there is plenty to see flying around – you put a name to them!

Bearing right, you can continue past a derelict Farmhouse, but mind the ground as it is marshy here, and then about 200 yards on there is a crossroads – with a tree up on the path to the left – looking like a lost sentinel.

 By this stage the walk is around a Mile and a half. Take the turn to the right – now you are heading back north, and follow as you do all the way, into an overhanging section (where if it is the right time, and you are sharp you may see Buzzards and perhaps Kestrels which nest around here). Then follow out onto a Lane,  and turn right.

After another Mile, you will find then that you have left the fields and are out onto the main A259. Taking a right,  you will be able to walk on for another  half a Mile until you find you are back to the lane down the side of The Bull Inn – a complete circle, and the whole walk will take about an hour and a half, maybe two.

Step inside the Pub if you need – where there is an open fire and food plus all the extras, and round it all off.

Remember to check the tides as well. If it is a spring tide, getting from the car to the shore path could be a problem!