Chidham Peninsular Circuit, South Coast

 The weather was still very hot for June and it was not predicted to break until the end of the week, so we decided to have a walk beside the sea. Chidham Peninsular looked suitable and not too long so we could also take in Kingley vale on the way home, as it was on the way.

The original idea was to park as far down the public road as we could go then follow around the coast and back. However there was a barrier on the car park set at 1.8m ..  too low for the van so resorting to pan B we retreated up the road slightly and parked on the verge opposite a private housing area. There was a foot path leading down to the coast through the estate, then a narrow twitten that opened to the mud flats.

Looking across to Bosham along the line of the remains of a landing stage.

Turning south, we followed the path. part on the mud flats, and part on the sea grass bank. the other side of the estuary was the Bosham peninsular, and a complex of moorings in between. 

Bertie jumped into the first pool he could find that was accessible - a feat he repeated several time today, before ending up caked in black smelly mud.

Approaching Cobnor house, passing some wet land ponds - we started to meet other people walking and the strange sight of a large boat permanently fixed to a jetty. Cobnor house turned out to be a Christian holiday camp for youngsters. There was lots of activities going on in the grounds.

All around here were signs to keep to the path, and not stray, but very little fencing.

Once around the house we cut back to the coast and continued to the South and the end of the peninsular.

overhead were a number of airplanes of vintage era flying around from time to time ...  I guess they must be practicing for a display of some variety.

Continuing down to Cobnor Point looking over to Bosham ferry. The track on a raised breakwater separating a tidal basin area.

Turning the corner of the peninsular we were now facing towards Portsmouth and the Spinnaker tower.

The nature of the trail changed again and dropped down onto the foreshore - the occasional tree bend to the prevailing wind clinging to the bank.

looking across the end of the Witterings and up to Thorney Island.

Bertie "managing" the bird hide on the beach. this was the start of a long section on the shingle of the foreshore looking up to Thorney Island. and the remains of the aerodrome.

coming across to the end of the peninsular where it cuts north. The path was stones packed and dried into redish mud.

The path now headed north along Nutbourne Marsh reserve. there was a narrow track on the bank, but overgrown with grass. Sue stayed on the beach combing for cuttlefish and driftwood.

For the first time since we left Cobnor House we met other walkers ..  there were several more no, seeming to come from a carpark across the fields.

Looking to the end of this section the estuary and the church in Southbourne.

Reaching Chidham point we turned East, still following a bulge in the end of the estuary 

At the end was a concrete barrier, which we only followed until the fields started on the right ...  In wet times the path continues for a bit further before coming back on the other side of the ditch , however it was dry and we could cross where the path cut east through the rape fields.

A stop for a bit of refreshment then continuing on across the fields.

The fields were a mix of rape, barley and broad beans - latrge and flat with the track cutting along an edge. The occasional hedge but generally open.

Chidham village ...  and the remains of a farm cart.

the last section cut across between some overgrown glasshouses and more arable fields.

Back at the van - very hot despite the shading. Bertie was stinking and covered in black mud, and managed to spread some on the seats as he jumped in.