Great Thorness

Settlement in Hampshire

England

Great Thorness

Thorness Bay on the Isle of Wight This quiet beach is a short walk from Thorness Bay Holiday Park <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/stuff/list.php?title=Thorness+Bay+Holiday+Park&amp;gridref=SZ4592" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/stuff/list.php?title=Thorness+Bay+Holiday+Park&amp;gridref=SZ4592">Link</a> — Thorness Bay on the Isle of Wight Credit: grenville chaganis

Great Thorness is a small village located in the county of Hampshire, England. Situated on the western coast of the Isle of Wight, it is part of the wider parish of Thorness. The village is surrounded by picturesque countryside, with rolling hills and stunning views of the Solent.

Great Thorness is best known for its natural beauty and tranquility. It boasts a diverse landscape that includes lush green fields, meadows, and dense woodlands. The area is a haven for wildlife, with an abundance of bird species, deer, and other fauna.

The village itself is characterized by its charming cottages and traditional architecture, which adds to its idyllic atmosphere. There is a sense of community among the residents, who take pride in maintaining the village's charm and preserving its heritage.

In terms of amenities, Great Thorness offers a range of facilities for its residents and visitors. There is a local pub, where people can unwind and enjoy a drink or a meal. The village also has a small convenience store for everyday essentials.

For those seeking outdoor activities, Great Thorness is surrounded by numerous walking and cycling trails, allowing visitors to explore the stunning countryside. The nearby coast provides opportunities for water sports such as sailing and fishing.

Overall, Great Thorness offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, with its natural beauty and sense of community making it a desirable place to visit or call home.

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Great Thorness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.730665/-1.3612681 or Grid Reference SZ4592. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Thorness Bay on the Isle of Wight

This quiet beach is a short walk from Thorness Bay Holiday Park Link

grenville chaganis

High tide at Thorness Bay IOW

Although passable on this occasion, the coastal path follows the shore at this point and may by impassable at the highest tides meaning a lenghty detour inland.

Colin Park

Ford on IOW Coast Path, Thorness Bay

There is no footbridge at this point on the coastal path, so you will need to leap across this stream to keep your feet dry.

Colin Park

Farmland near Great Thorness

Alan Kent

Hillis Farm

This pond, part of the Hillis Farm site, has clearly been laid out with a purpose in mind - there was, however, nothing at the location to indicate what this might be.

Stephen McKay

Chalkclose Copse

A footpath runs down the side of the copse to the stile at the bottom.

Stephen McKay

Footpath to Porchfield

This footpath runs through an attractive avenue of trees next to Whitehouse Farm, towards Porchfield.

Stephen McKay

Little Thorness Farm Cottage. Solent in the background

A holiday cottage a few hundred yards from the sea.

Ron Hunter

The path from Little Thorness Farm to the beach

Ron Hunter

Path through Parkhurst Forest

In the north-western section of the forest a clear path runs through a more open area, flanked by light mixed woodland. A less significant path heads north to the right.

Graham Horn

Scrub land above The Solent

Between the holiday village and the sea a number of paths have been created through the woodland. Many end abruptly at the edge of an area of scrub land which slopes steeply towards the sea. There is no access to the beach from here.

Graham Horn

Holiday village

This part of the holiday village consists of a series of permanent bungalows, more substantial than caravans but cheaply built of breeze block and lacking any architectural niceties. Many seem to be derelict, but this group seem to be well used.

Graham Horn

On the danger beach

A well-marked footpath leads to the coast through the danger area, a military firing range. The path is clearly marked from Porchfield, the only access point. Shortly after high tide, the beach is limited, about 5 feet of shingle covered in flotsam.

Graham Horn

Porchfield war memorial and village hall

At the west end of the village and of the more modest variety in both cases.

Graham Horn

Forest colours

The autumn colours are just starting to appear in Parkhurst Forest. Here the beech and birch leaves are turning and the bracken is losing its green-ness. The pines remain aloof to the process.

Graham Horn

Entrance to Parkhurst Forest

This is the entrance from Mark's Corner near the north-west corner of the forest.

Graham Horn

This way or that way?

The signs are correct; the footpath heads left or right. Straight on is not an option. The 1:50K map does not show this path clearly, but it skirts exactly along the northern edge of the forest

Graham Horn

Forest entrance

Someone has made a bit of a feature of this entrance, with a simple wooden construction but the two specific pieces of wood must have been hard to find.

Graham Horn

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Great Thorness is located at Grid Ref: SZ4592 (Lat: 50.730665, Lng: -1.3612681)

Unitary Authority: Isle of Wight

Police Authority: Hampshire