The Essence of Manhood (the Peninsula) (West Sussex)

A salacious title for a delicious day walk! Manhood is the peninsula that stretches south from Chichester to Selsey Bill. Its essence is a strongly horizontal landscape of contrasting blocks of colour. Wide green wheat fields and broad brown mudflats are backed by big blue skies, while the regular rows of poplars, the massed masts of yachts and the sporadic spires of churches provide vertical punctuation. The scattered settlements and cosy cottages domesticate an expanse so flat and open that despite 26 kilometres of walking, the climb will be negligible.

Things to see on the walk:

The Manhood Peninsula: The southernmost part of Sussex and part of the Sussex coastal plain. Bordered to the west by Chichester Harbour and to the east by Pagham Harbour. Its name comes from the Old English maene-wudu meaning "men's wood" or "common wood", i.e. common land.

Chichester Canal: Opened in 1822, its last load was transported in 1906. Runs 4.5 miles (7.2 km) from Birdham to Chichester. Most of its length is navigable and the towpath is a popular route. 

Apuldram: Within the Chichester Harbour AONB, just a church and a few old houses in fields. Rymans is a delightful small 15th C manor house. The Manor House itself is 17th C and St Mary's Church is 13th C, restored in 1845 and 1877.

Dell Quay: An enchanting group of pub, cottages and boatyards on the Fishbourne Channel of Chichester Harbour.

Birdham: A shapeless plan but some pleasant houses. St James' Church is bulky, 14th C but over restored in 1882. Chichester Marina is the chief attraction: a big rectangular harbour with sleek yachts along pontoons. The footpath crosses the lockgate at its entrance and the gushing water is captivating. 

Sidlesham: Set among cornfields are half a dozen scattered hamlets, the nicest being Sidlesham Quay beside Pagham Harbour, which looks like a miniature Bosham. Elsewhere there are pretty thatched flint cottages, especially near the church, St Mary's, which is big and barn-like. 

Pagham Harbour: An area of saltmarsh, mudflats and shallow lagoons. Precious for wildlife as it's an SSSI, a Local Nature Reserve and a Ramsar Site.

South Mundham: A straggling village, but with more fine houses and a lovely spacious setting and relaxed shape.

All images are from Google Image Search and are 'Labelled for reuse'.