Midhurst Walks - Midhurst Way

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 Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Midhurst Way Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Midhurst Way OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

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

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.