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Midhurst Walks - Midhurst Way

19.3 miles (31 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This West Sussex market town sits in a lovely spot on the River Rother in the South Downs National park.
This linear walk runs for about 19 miles from Midhurst to Arundel through some lovely Sussex countryside.
The path passes Cowdray Park, Lodsworth, Petworth, Chingford Pond, Bignor, Westburton Hill and Houghton Forest with fabulous views of the South Downs as you go.
There are several attractions on the route including the splendid Arundel Castle, at the start of the walk. The castle dates from the 11th century and boasts exquisite, stately rooms and magnificent grounds overlooking the River Arun.
The path also passes very near to Petworth House and Petworth Park which holds the 'National Trust's finest art collection displayed in a magnificent 17th century mansion within a beautiful 700-acre park'. The walk also offers fine views of the Rivers Rother and Arundel while also passing the ruins of the fascinating Cowdray House near Midhurst.
This route is quite accessible beginning at Arundel train station while finishing at the bus station at Midhurst.

Midhurst Way OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Midhurst Way Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Midhurst

  • Cowdray Park - This circular walk explores the splendid Cowdray Estate in Midhurst
  • Houghton Forest - These woods near Arundel have good mountain bike trails and some nice footpaths to try
  • Arundel Castle and Arundel Park - This circular walk takes you through the parkland and countryside surrounding this restored medieval castle in West Sussex
  • Cuckoo Trail - This traffic free cycle and walking path runs along a disused railway line from Heathfield to the outskirts of Eastbourne.
  • Petworth Park - A walk around the beautiful Petworth Park in Sussex
  • Iping Common and Stedham Common - Follow the heathland trails across these two pretty commons on this walk in Midhurst in Sussex
  • Lavington Common - Enjoy a peaceful stroll across the Lavington and Duncton Commons on this easy walk near Midhurst in West Sussex
  • Woolbeding Common - Explore woodland, heathland and ponds on this walk on Woolbeding Common near Chichester in West Sussex
  • Serpent Trail - This walk runs from Haslemere to Petersfield through the beautiful Sussex greensand hills
  • Burpham - This charming Sussex based village has some nice thatched cottages, a Grade I listed Saxon Church and a century-old cricket pitch where W

Pubs/Cafes

In Midhurst The Royal Oak is a good choice. The 17th century pub includes a splendid large garden area with an outdoor grill. It's a lovely place to relax with a meal on finer days. You can find them near Goodwood on Oaklands Lane at a postcode of GU29 0EP for your sat navs.
In Arundel head to the St Mary’s Gate Inn. The pub has a fascinating history having been built in the 26th year of the reign of Henry VIII in 1525.  The two other letting rooms which have been part of the building since the 16th century housed Oliver Cromwell and his guardsmen during the mid-1600. The pub has a great menu, good selection of ales and a cosy log fire. You can find it near the castle on London Rd at Postcode BN18 9BA.
The Red Lion on the High Street is another great option. This one dates back to the 18th century and includes a large beer garden to relax in. You can find it at postcode BN18 9AG.

Dog Walking

The country and woodland trails on the walk are ideal for dogs. The Royal Oak pub mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

A walk around the old part of this fascinating town is highly recommended. Here you'll find fine medieval, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, including more than 100 listed buildings. There's also the ruins of the castle and the pretty South Pond to visit. The castle hosted both Queen Elizabeth I and King Henry VIII. Guy Fawkes also once worked at the house, which later caused the Montague Family to be implicated in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. It also played a part in the Civil War, when the Parliamentarians used the house as a Roundhead barracks.
For some easy walking near the town head to Iping Common and Stedham Common. There's miles of attractive heathland walking trails here with lots of wildlife to look out for too.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Sussex Walks and South Downs Walks pages.

Photos

Midhurst view - geograph.org.uk - 1009684

Midhurst view. The view from South Street next to South Pond, looking towards Red Lion Street and the church.

Arundel Park

Arundel Park. Looking North from Mill Hanger to the park

Cowdray Castle - geograph.org.uk - 595426

Cowdray Castle. The Cowdray Heritage Ruins are located just east of the town. It is one of England’s most important early Tudor houses and was visited by both King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I.

The Elizabeth Oak in Cowdray Park - geograph.org.uk - 1022046

The Elizabeth Oak in Cowdray Park. This very old tree has a commemorative plaque erected on the occasion of Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee. Beyond the tre

South Pond, Midhurst - geograph.org.uk - 108084

South Pond, Midhurst. From the back road out of town to the south. The parish church is on the skyline.

Houghton Forest - geograph.org.uk - 1318822

Houghton Forest. Bridleway passing along the western edge of the thickly wooded Houghton Forest, a mixed wood.

West Street, Midhurst - geograph.org.uk - 577872

West Street, Midhurst

The Old Teashop, Midhurst - geograph.org.uk - 356167

The Old Teashop, Midhurst. The writer H. G. Wells lodged in rooms above this teashop when he was a teacher at Midhurst Grammar School 1883-4. Midhurst features as "Wimblehurst" in several of Well's novels, such as Tono-Bungay.

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