There’s plenty of walks direct from Thornham Marina, and it’s possible to explore almost all the harbour creeks on foot. There’s over 56 miles of footpaths within the Harbour’s designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Alternatively, take a short walk across to the Slipper Mill pond in Emsworth, and head inland up the Sussex Border Path towards the South Downs.
Walk around Thorney Island
From the marina basin, take the footpath south along the shoreside, and you can circumnavigate the whole of Thorney Island and the army base. Press the buzzer to get through the security gate and once through stay on the path so as not to stray onto MOD land.
Continue south past Thorney Island Sailing Club and the beautiful church dating back to Saxon times. On the south east corner of Thorney you will come to Pilsey Island. A fabulous spot for bird watching. Be sure to follow the signs so as not to disturb nesting birds.
Continue along the southern shore and then north towards Emsworth. Just before you reach the black and white Deck Houses look for the footpath to the right that will bring you back to the marina via Thornham Lane.
Wayfarer’s Walk – Emsworth to Royal Oak, Langstone
The full Wayfarer’s walk is 71 miles to Berkshire! The shorter version is to pick up the trail from Emsworth and walk to the pubs by Langstone Mill.
From Thornham Marina, head east along Thornham Lane, and cut through Emsworth Marina. Pick up the footpath around the Slipper Mill pond that comes out by the Lord Raglan Pub. Head into Emsworth village, taking a left at the village ‘square’ and pick up the footpath around the other millpond. Continue past Emsworth Sailing Club and head along the foreshore.
The walk will take you past Nore Barn Woods, where it is possible to divert inland and see the historic Warblington Church. Continue along the shore to Langstone Mill, a former windmill and watermill and you’ll reach the Royal Oak and The Ship in pubs at Langstone.
There is excellent road biking and mountain trail from Thornham around the Harbour and also we are within easy reach of the South Downs. You can pick up the Salterns Way near Dell Quay and cycle down to East Head. Or take the Sussex Border path which runs north out of Emsworth from Lumley Road and head into the hills.