Prinsted
On this walk, children will enjoy the shoreline and the bridges and boats around Thornham Marina.
Children enjoy watching the boats come and go at Thornham Marina
The Basics
Time: 40 mins
Distance: 2.5 km
Terrain: Flat coastal paths with some narrow bridges and steps
Pushchair: No
Dogs: Yes if they are ok with steps and narrow bridges
Refreshments: The Huts Emsworth for light lunches, snacks and drinks
Toilets: There are toilets at the marina car park
Public Transport: The Coastliner 700 bus stops at Jubilee Mews on the A259. From here, it is a short walk down Prinsted Lane to the start of this walk
Parking: Along Prinsted Lane, there is a small parking area near the sea scouts, free (Postcode: PO10 8HT - W3W: verdict/amazed/inefficient)
There are lots of little footbridges on the walk
This has always been a popular walk owing to its easy flat paths, foreshore, marina, café and many benches where you can stop and admire the view of Prinsted Bay and the wider Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Route
Leave the parking area by heading to the shore and slipway. Take the shoreline path, heading to your right if facing the water. Follow the path around the shore to reach a little gate into Thornham Marina.
Go over the first, black footbridge. You will then pass The Huts on your right where you can get refreshments.
Continue along the public footpath and go over the next little bridge. Keep forwards to exit the marina and then walk over wooden boards before meeting a larger, newer looking bridge. Cross the bridge and continue with the water to your left.
The footpath will reach a natural corner at Prinsted Point where there is a bench. You should turn right here away from the water and not continue over the stile on your left.
Continue along the footpath, now with the water behind you, and then turn right with the path when you reach the next corner.
Walk on to reach some bungalows on your right where the path will turn into the tarmacked Thornham Lane. Walk along the lane, passing the entrance to Thornham Marina on your right and then pass the entrance to Payne’s Boatyard. Take the next lane on your right, which is Prinsted Lane. It is signed as a footpath and to Prinsted House.
Follow this little lane passing a few large properties and a pony paddock on your right. The lane will shortly bring you back to the parking area.
We suggest viewing the interactive map below as a ‘Trails Map’ to ensure all the paths are visible:
Did you know?
Prinsted has retained many of its old thatched homesteads. The big brick and stone manor house bears a panel inscribed 1663 and other houses in the village show the remains of timber framing which may date from the 1500s. It is worth extending this walk for a look around the village and its beautiful homes.
If you enjoyed this walk…
…try this one just along the coast at Nutbourne, or even combine the two.
