Starting from the South Street car park (see map), leave via the Nile Street exit and turn left. Walking down this narrow, gently sloping street will bring you to a junction. Turn right into Bridgefoot Path, which runs alongside the picturesque Mill Pond. There is a bench nearby should you want to pause a few moments to feed the ducks and swans, or to admire the view. Watch out for traffic as you walk along the water's edge - with no wall or barrier around the edge of the Mill Pond, drivers tend to hug the opposite side of the road!

When you reach the main road turn left, and take the second road on the left into Warblington Road. Walking up a gentle slope, you find yourself in a tree-lined residential road. This is a slight diversion away from the coastline and village, but avoids having to retrace your steps. Continue along this road until you reach Seafields (first left). (*) This road leads to Beacon Square, where you can turn left or right (see map). At the other side of the square, take the narrow pathway with a view to the sea. This leads you to the seashore, where keen birdwatchers may see a great variety of birds feeding in the mud at low tide. At high tide, you may see sailing dinghies, windsurfers and canoes on the sea. (Warning: at very high tides (eg. the spring tides) or at high tides in bad weather, part of the pathway along the seashore may be inaccessible.) (*) If you feel like a longer walk taking in more of the coastline, continue to the end of Warblington road, then take a left turn and walk back along the whole of Western Parade - you will eventually rejoin this route.

Turning left out of the pathway, head along the shoreline path towards the Emsworth Sailing Club. Take the narrow passageway between the boatyard and the Sailing Club building. Continue straight on along The Promenade (see map), which leads back to the village.

The Promenade gives good views of the village and harbour. To the east are views of the open sea and boats near the old oyster beds. Be prepared for a stiff breeze - unless dressed warmly this can be a "cooler" walk, on even the warmest of summer days! The Promenade brings you out by the harbour and another of Emsworth's sailing clubs. There are tea rooms and several good restaurants in the immediate area, though the former may not be open out of season.

Walking up South Street brings you into the centre of Emsworth, St. Peter's Square. This route takes you past the public toilets (next to the car park). The square is home to several tea rooms, the new (1998) Emsworth library, butcher, greengrocer, newsagent and book shops, as well as several estate agents. The windows of the latter give an interesting overview of the houses which are typical in the Emsworth area.

After well-deserved refreshments, you can go back down South Street or Nile Street back to the car park. Or maybe you feel fresh enough to tackle the village walk through Emsworth, which takes in a different set of features?

If you are interested in finding out more about the history of Emsworth, there is a small museum next to the small car park and Fire Station in North Street. It is only open at certain times of the year however; the best way to find out when is to contact the Tourist Information Centre at Havant. (Telephone (01705) 480024)