APR25: Thorney Island Circular
20 people attending
0 places left
5 people waitlisted
#GetOutMore this April!
This event is one of loads of events taking place over the same weekend! Check out all the events over the weekend of 4-6 April 2025: OutdoorLads.events/APR25. Great for new and regular members!
Thorney Island (really a peninsula cut off from the mainland by a narrow creek) lies in the southwest of West Sussex in Chichester Harbour. Being flat and encircled by the Sussex Border Path the island is highly accessible and open, yet as it's also an RAF base (and has been since 1936), the interior is excitingly inaccessible and secret. Just the coastal strip is public, which is sufficient to give wonderful views of Chichester Harbour to Chidham and Emsworth with the South Downs on the horizon.
The public are also permitted, with good reason, to see West Thorney church. St Nicholas is a humble and honest 13th century affair, but more moving still is the cemetery adjoining it where Commonwealth and German airmen lie side-by-side - a poignant gesture of reconciliation. The interest doesn't stop there because Pilsey Island to the south is a secluded sandbank accessible at low tide, and Prinsted village is very pleasant: a Y-shape of lanes with justifiably some of the prettiest cottages on the south coast.
The route begins by heading south from Southbourne via lanes and footpaths, which will soon take us to the coast. From there we'll walk past the engagingly scruffy boatyards of Prinsted, across the 'neck' of the island and through the gate to the RAF base and around the island. We'll past Wickor Point and Marker Point. At the far south of the peninsula is Pilsey Island to which low tide will be enable us to cross. From there we'll complete our circuit of the island, heading past Stanbury Point after we've seen what we're permitted to see of West Thorney village and church. We'll walk back through pretty Prinsted and head back to the station at Southbourne.
Don't waste that space!
Spring walks get busy so please only book if you know you can make it. If your plans change please free up the space for someone else.
Dogs are welcome to join us on this event but we do ask the following:
Please ensure you adhere to the Countryside Code at all times - see (Keeping Dogs Under Effective Control)
If your dog is uncontrolled and strays in open land frightening other animals or livestock, the leader is supported by the OutdoorLads board of trustees to ask you to leave the event as this is not acceptable behaviour.
Is this your first ODL event?
Attending your first event with OutdoorLads might feel daunting. What will happen, who will be there, and what can you expect? We know that new members in particular like to know in advance more about what an OutdoorLads event will be like.
If this is your first ODL event, you should check out the information designed specifically for you on the My First Event page on the ODL website. If you have any other questions you can send a message to the leader
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
All photographs are from Geograph: Church of St Nicholas by Rob Farrow© Copyright Rob Farrow and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence. All others are attributed to Colin Smith © Copyright Colin Smith and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence








What to bring
For your comfort and safety please be prepared for the anticipated weather and the terrain of the walk - keep in mind the following:
Boots: Hiking boots that are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support, are important as soon as you encounter any mud. Cross trainers may suffice in good weather and flat routes.
Socks: Proper walking socks keep your feet dry, and help prevent blisters.
Walking trousers: (ideally water resistant) will be more comfortable than Jeans which are heavy and cold when wet. From April to October shorts are usually a better bet.
Waterproof over-trousers: essential in any significant rainfall. Breathable ones are best.
Layered clothing: allows you to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature. E.g. a base layer or a cotton T-Shirt; a mid layer like a micro fleece, or a rugby type thick shirt, and in cooler weather an outer layer consisting of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece.
Waterproof Jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather. You get what you pay for with these. Breathable fabrics are advisable.
Hat: essential in summer to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
Small Rucksack: One that is comfortable to wear is essential so that you can use your arms freely. Place valuables in water proof bags inside.
Sunglassses: April- Sept: comfortable sunglasses enhance your pleasure and keep insects out of the eye
Water: even in winter one can loose a litre or more of fluid by perspiration. If you fail to make this up you'll get dehydrated which can lead to headaches and other problems. A hydration bladder is easier to use than bottled water, but higher maintenance.
Food: a packed lunch will be required unless otherwise stated. In addition carry energy bars or similar to counter 'sugar lows'.
Medicines: If you have allergies, are diabetic, or have minor ailments don't forget these!
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink. There is a Co-Op shop in Southbourne on the way and near the station. We may stop at a pub at the end of the walk.