Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
This exceptional 35-mile (56km) stretch of the coast path, which opened to the public on Wednesday 4 February 2026, is characterised by the beautiful land and seascapes of Chichester Harbour.
The trail follows the coastline of the harbour’s distinctive tidal channels, weaving around islands and peninsulas which are surrounded by a mosaic of wildlife-rich habitats – notably large expanses of saltmarsh and mudflat.
Starting in the west on the shingle beach of South Hayling, the trail rounds the dunes and grasslands of Sandy Point at the south eastern corner of Hayling Island to enter Chichester Harbour.
After traversing up the east side of Hayling, the path crosses Langstone Bridge to leave the island and passes through the first of several charming coastal villages on the stretch, Langstone, followed closely by Emsworth.
Walkers then round the quiet, wild peninsula of Thorney Island; a long-used military base for the army but also a tranquil site relished by birdwatchers. The Chidham and Bosham peninsulas follow to the east, offering further scenic viewpoints and wildlife-watching opportunities.
After taking the historic ferry across the Chichester Channel to Itchenor, the final leg of the stretch winds down towards East Head spit, a beautiful and dynamic sand dune system. The stretch culminates on the hugely popular and expansive sandy beach at West Wittering.
This exceptional 35-mile (56km) stretch of the coast path, which opened to the public on Wednesday 4 February 2026, is characterised by the beautiful land and seascapes of Chichester Harbour.
The trail follows the coastline of the harbour’s distinctive tidal channels, weaving around islands and peninsulas which are surrounded by a mosaic of wildlife-rich habitats – notably large expanses of saltmarsh and mudflat.
Starting in the west on the shingle beach of South Hayling, the trail rounds the dunes and grasslands of Sandy Point at the south eastern corner of Hayling Island to enter Chichester Harbour.
After traversing up the east side of Hayling, the path crosses Langstone Bridge to leave the island and passes through the first of several charming coastal villages on the stretch, Langstone, followed closely by Emsworth.
Walkers then round the quiet, wild peninsula of Thorney Island; a long-used military base for the army but also a tranquil site relished by birdwatchers. The Chidham and Bosham peninsulas follow to the east, offering further scenic viewpoints and wildlife-watching opportunities.
After taking the historic ferry across the Chichester Channel to Itchenor, the final leg of the stretch winds down towards East Head spit, a beautiful and dynamic sand dune system. The stretch culminates on the hugely popular and expansive sandy beach at West Wittering.
