Circle the Chichester Channel

Explore Chichester Harbour

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Walk 5 hrs (17km)

Total Ascent 34 m

Highest Point 7 m

Welcome to this Signature Guide

Despite being the flattest walk in the Vespucci collection, the views never disappoint. The ebb and the flow of the tide ensure a constantly changing landscape. To the north, enjoy the beautiful South Downs landscape, to the east the Chichester Cathedral Spire. Bird song is your ever-present companion.

Ready to walk?

Be sure to download your PDF guide for the walk and make sure you have the OS maps app downloaded.

Or email yourself the guide:

Before you start

Here’s 3 important things you need to know before you head off:

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Save this Guide

Save the PDF guide on your device that you’re going to use on the walk. (This contains all the handy information, from how to get there, points of interest and pubs, taxis etc).

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Download OS Map App

This is how you will navigate your way around the route. The link for the route is in this guide and will take you to the OS Maps app.

Click here for Apple
Click here for Android

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Battery

Make sure you have plenty of battery. We hope you have a great walk.

The Curator Simon White

Meet the Curator

Simon has been walking the shores of Chichester Harbour for over 30 years and has had a home in Bosham for the last decade. As well as spending as much time as possible on the water, he enjoys hiking with friends, family and his dog along the many and varied walks the Harbour has to offer.

“The vast tract of water known as Chichester harbour, but which, in reality, stretches from Langstone in the west, along three main channels stretching inland, all the way to Fishbourne in the East has always held a fascination for me and kept me returning time and again.

“The beauty of this walk is that the backdrop continually changes: the tides, of course, transforming the shape of the harbour with their ebb and flow and the constant coming and going of boats and migrating birds. You might also be lucky enough to see the Itchenor Sunbeam keelboat fleet, gracefully gliding down the channel to start their racing complemented by the odd Sunseeker from Chichester marina entatively trying to weave between them on its way to the Solent. But whatever the season, there is always something which catches your eye as you amble along the shore.”

Hike Summary

Bosham, Itchenor & Dell Quay

Arriving by train at Fishbourne, we recommend joining the Vespucci route and heading off towards Bosham for your breakfast at the Shoreside Café. Allow 45 minutes for this. If arriving by car, we suggest parking in the public car park in Bosham and joining the route there. Either way, leave enough time to explore Bosham Quay and Holy Trinity Church before setting off to the Itchenor Ferry.

As you step ashore here, consider topping up at Quarterdeck Café. It’s probably going to be a bit too early to enjoy The Ship Inn for lunch but it is there if you need it! There are further café options at Birdham Pool but we recommend aiming for Dell Quay for lunch. The hard work has been done and the back of the walk has been broken. Booking ahead for lunch at The Crown and Anchor is essential. However, in the summer months, the Crab & Burger Shack will be open to serve customers outside.

Make a weekend of it by either staying in Chichester or by pushing the boat out and staying in Bosham at The Millstream Hotel. Equally, there are several AirBnb option in Bosham as well.

Hike Highlights

Chichester Harbour

One of the few remaining undeveloped coastal areas of southern England.

Outstanding bird life

The harbour is a crucial site for migratory and overwintering birds.

Ever-changing landscape

Experience the ebb and the flow of the tide as you walk around the Harbour.

By Train – The nearest station is Fishbourne Station on the Southampton/Brighton line. If coming from London Victoria (45mins), change at Chichester. From London Waterloo (1hr), change at Havant.

By Car – If coming by car, we would recommend joining the walk at Bosham. The car park is situated in Bosham Lane, PO18 8HT. There are 379 spaces and payment can be made by cash or card using MiPermit (code 711020).

Sometimes, we can get so caught up in reaching our destination that we forget to take in our surroundings. When in fact, some of the best moments on a walk are the ones spent not walking. It is not until you stop and look a little closer, that you truly see the magic of where you are.
Our hikes are not about how fast you walk, but about how much you take in. We share these beautiful trails with an abundance of wildlife and there’s always something to marvel at – so long as you take the time to look around.

Built at the end of the 16th Century, the Crown & Anchor is situated in the heart of the pretty hamlet of Dell Quay, and has one of the most unrivalled positions on Chichester Harbour. The Crown and Anchor is the perfect spot to explore Chichester harbour and breathe in gallons of glorious fresh air.

Points of interest

Places to enjoy along the route

FISHBOURNE REEDBEDS

Walking through the reeds that are taller than you and hearing the birds sing and the wind rustle the leaves is a magical experience. The reeds growing in this bed are the Common Reed. They are Britain’s tallest native grass. The beds are an important habitat for Reed Warblers and Sedge Warblers that come here from Africa to breed.

CHICHESTER HARBOUR

Chichester Harbour is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Dominated by the ebb and flow of the tide, the Harbour is one of the few remaining undeveloped coastal areas of southern England. The bird life is outstanding and you should keep your eyes peeled for Waders, Gulls, Herons, Ducks, Geese and Kingfishers and Owls to name but a few. Look out for the beautiful chalk streams feeding the Harbour as well as the reed beds.

BOSHAM

It is worth spending some time exploring Bosham, a beautiful Sussex village with a rich history. Roman artefacts have been found here and the well-preserved Roman Palace at Fishbourne is close by. The Venerable Bede mentions Bosham in his “Ecclesiastical History of the English Church” written in 681 and Christians have worshipped at the site of Holy Trinity Church for over 1000 years. Imagine a bustling port and it is not difficult to believe that the Doomsday Book listed Bosham as one of the wealthiest manors in the country. Nowadays, it is home to a sailing club, an excellent pub and café and artisan shops worth browsing.

ITCHENOR

Itchenor is a pretty village at the harbour’s edge, probably best known for its sailing club and pub. There’s an opportunity for a coffee at The Quarterdeck Café about 200m down the path to the right of the boat yard. It is worth checking opening times in advance.

DELL QUAY

Dell Quay is a small hamlet best known for its 16th century pub, The Crown and Anchor. In the 14th century, the quay at “La Delle,” as it was then called, was the only official landing place for the “Port of Chichester” and was one of the major ports in England. Cargoes of grain, timber and wool were among the goods exported and imports included wines, coal, cloth and building materials.

What’s Next?

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Circle the Chichester Channel, Chichester⏱️ 5 hrs