This circular beach walk begins and ends in the village of Chidham, located on a peninsula in West Sussex. The route follows the coastline around the edge of the Chidham peninsula, offering continuous views across Bosham Channel and Chichester Harbour.

Route Description

• Terrain: The walk is predominantly flat, with a mixture of footpaths, shoreline, and minor roads. Some sections may be muddy or uneven depending on the tide and recent weather.

• Distance: The full loop is approximately 5 to 6 miles (8 to 10 km), depending on the exact route taken.

• Navigation: The path is generally well-marked, with sections following the shoreline and others passing through farmland and residential lanes.

Points of Interest

• Chichester Harbour: A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the harbour is known for its tidal inlets, salt marshes, and wide estuarine views.

• Bosham Channel: Visible for much of the walk, this channel is a key feature of the harbour and often dotted with moored boats.

Wildlife

• Birdlife: The area supports a variety of wading birds and waterfowl, including curlews, redshanks, oystercatchers, and egrets. Bird activity is especially notable during migration periods and in winter.

• Seals: Common seals are occasionally seen in the harbour, particularly at low tide when they haul out on mudflats or sandbanks.

Place Names

• Chidham: The name likely derives from Old English, possibly meaning "Ceatta’s homestead" or "homestead by the wood."

• Bosham: Thought to originate from the Old English "Bosanhamm," meaning "Bosa’s water meadow" or "enclosure by the stream."