Emsworth to Bosham Long Hard and Spit Linear Coastal Walk
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Join Justin and Matt on a coastal walk exploring all the nooks and crannies of the coast south of Chichester between Emsworth and Bosham, taking in bird havens and Sites of Special Scientific Interest and walking round a military base.
We will be starting from Emsworth Railway station, heading south to the Marina then down the Sussex Border Path starting our walk around Thorney Island, separated from the mainland by The Great Deep. All along our walk today are areas teeming with birds and other wildlife. We pass round Longmere point to West Thorney and it's hard and further on to the military check point where we have to ring to ask permission to pass. Let's hope we don't look too suspicious.
Turning the corner at the top north point we then take a turn south again on to Chidham peninsular passing Nutbourne Marsh Nature Reserve. Round the southern tip past Cobnor House and then up northwards past the pier and a few more hards. Eventually we cross the A259 and run parallel and then south again to the beautiful Bosham Harbour where we can stop for a pint at the Anchor Bleu (http://www.anchorbleu.co.uk). We then will walk to Bosham Station and finish there.
It is possible to cut the last 2 miles (missing the pub) and go directly to the station at the A259 if anyone is short of time or inclination. I'll announce on the walk when we get to that point.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch
Food & drink
You will need a packed lunch and drink (see kit list), also any snacks if you need them as it's a long walk.
There is a possibility of a mid stop pub but we would have to either cut a but of coastline out or increase the length of the walk. Definitely an almost end stop at Bosham Quay which is approximately 1.5km from the end.