Nutbourne Marshes and Cobnor Point Walk

6 miles (9.7 km)

This circular walk offers a comprehensive exploration of the Chidham Peninsula, a serene landscape within the Chichester Harbour National Landscape (formerly AONB).
The route showcases a mosaic of coastal habitats, from sheltered mudflats and saltmarshes to traditional farmland, all while providing expansive views across one of the South Coast's most significant natural harbours.
The journey begins at the Nutbourne Marshes, a premier bird sanctuary managed by the Chichester Harbour Conservancy. As you head toward the shoreline, look out for the historic footings of a former tidal mill, which operated here until 1920.... Today, the old mill pond has been reclaimed by nature, serving as a vital intertidal habitat. In the winter, the area becomes a cacophony of sound as thousands of Dark-bellied Brent Geese migrate here from Siberia. Beyond the birdlife, the Nutbourne Channel is a favoured haunt for the harbour’s resident population of Atlantic Grey and Common Seals, which are often seen hauled out on the mudbanks or bobbing in the deeper channels.
The path follows the water’s edge around the tip of the peninsula at Cobnor Point. This southern extremity provides a 270-degree vista of the harbour's main body, with views reaching across to Thorney Island and West Wittering and East Head. As you turn north to follow the Bosham Channel, you pass the Cobnor Activities Centre, a hub for sailing and outdoor education. The return leg leads you inland through the quiet village of Chidham, known for its historic flint cottages and the 13th-century St Mary’s Church.