Roughly a 90-minute drive from parts of South London sits a stunning island perfect for a winter walk. Ramblers can enjoy scenic views across Chichester Harbour and the English Channel beyond in a truly unique setting.
But the landscape itself is not the only thing that makes it stand out compared to other beauty spots near London – as Thorney Island is actually owned by the Ministry of Defence. This might be an odd place to consider for a quiet walk, but the island’s perimeter is very much open to the public.
RAF Thorney Island was built in 1938, and proved as a vital airbase in the defence of the mainland during the Battle of Britain two years later. During this period the base was attacked by the German Luftwaffe, but after the RAF secured aerial superiority over Britain’s skies, the attention of the airmen stationed on the island was the protection of shipping lanes in the English Channel.
Most of the island is not open to the public
(Image: Martin Burton/SussexLive)
The airfield was closed in 1978, but the Royal Artillery re-opened the site four years later. There are signs along the walk which strictly ask you to stick to the path, with areas closed off with security fences and barbed wire.
As you continue to make your way around the nine-mile circular route, you’ll eventually come across views of Pilsey Island which is one of the walk’s many highlights. Connected to Thorney by a sandbank, it is an RSPB nature reserve, with birds including redshanks, kestrels and sanderlings found on the island’s wetlands.
There is no public access to the Island as a result of this, but this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the stunning views. Chichester Harbour in general plays host to a whole selection of the county’s most fascinating bird species.
The perimeter path around the island is popular among walkers
(Image: Martin Burton/SussexLive)
You will see the well-known gulls on the island, but along with them you could find sanderlings during the winter months who migrate to the island from cooler climates. The turnstone is also a visitor that enjoys the island. They migrate from Scandinavia and are attracted by the seaweed-rich wetlands.
Along with these views, Thorney Island has one of the most unspoilt beaches in the Sussex towards its southern tip. Comprising of both shingle and sand, it is particularly a wonder when the tide is out.
Other things to look out for along the walk are natural sand dunes and saltmarshes which keep the trek interesting as you walk around the island’s perimeter.
A warning to trespassers on the island’s approach
(Image: Martin Burton/SussexLive)
How to get there
Thorney Island is roughly a 90-minute drive from parts of South London mostly following the A3. It cannot be reached via public transport from London.
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