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Arundel Circular Walk

A walk in the low hills around the River Arun, returning through an attractive old town with a castle and cathedral.

Abbey/Cathedral Amberley Circular Palace/Castle South Downs National Park West Sussex

History

This is a list of previous times this walk has been done by the club (since Jan 2010). For more recent events (since April 2015), full details are shown.

Date Option Post # Weather
Sun, 12-Mar-23 b Arundel Circular, via South Stoke 11 a bit of everything
Wed, 06-Apr-22 Arundel Round Walk - The River Arun, Warningcamp Hill, Wepham, Burpham, South Stoke, Arundel Park and return to Arundel 3 slightly damp to start but mainly dry and cloudy
Sat, 23-Oct-21 b Arundel Circular - the River Arun, Warningcamp Hill, Burpham and return via South Stoke and Arundel Park 14 overcast and cloudy all day but very mild
Sat, 07-Dec-19 Arundel by Candelight 15 cloudy but warm and dry conditions
Mon, 26-Aug-19 Bank Holiday Walk - Arundel Circular via Warningcamp Hill, Burpham, South Stoke and Arundel Park 10 sunny and hot day
Wed, 13-Feb-19 Arundel Round - via Warningcamp Hill, Wepham, Burpham, South Stoke and Arundel Park 18 sunny and warm for the season
Sat, 03-Nov-18 c Arundel to Amberley via Arundel 15 sunny and warm for the season
Wed, 07-Feb-18 Arundel Circular - the Arun Valley and South Stoke 9 lovely crisp sunshine
Sat, 15-Jul-17 Amberley and Arundel 8 cloudy in the morning sunshine in the afternoon
Sun, 11-Jun-17 Amberley and Arundel 7 sunny light breeze
Sat, 16-Jul-16 Amberley and Arundel 3 sunny and hot
Sun, 26-Jun-16 a 1 – the Arun valley 11 dry and partly sunny with a light breeze
Sun, 05-Apr-15 b Arundel Circular Walk 10
Sat, 13-Sep-14 a Arundel Circular Walk 8
Sat, 08-Jun-13 a Arundel Circular Walk 23
Sat, 24-Nov-12 a Arundel Circular Walk
Sun, 03-Jun-12 Arundel Circular Walk
Sat, 12-Mar-11 b Arundel Circular Walk
Sun, 29-Aug-10 a Arundel Circular Walk

Sunday 12-Mar-23

Sean
Extra Walk 100b – Arundel Circular, via South Stoke

Length: 14¾ km (9.2 miles, toughness 3/10), or 12¼ km (7.6 miles, 2/10) if bypassing Arundel Park at the end.

09:35 Portsmouth Harbour train from Victoria (Clapham Jct 09:42, East Croydon 09:56), arriving Arundel at 11:02.

Trains back are hourly at xx:54.

Arundel The meadows in the Arun valley are sometimes flooded in winter but two recent expeditions haven't reported any problems, so I'll take the risk of posting this Short Circular Walk from Arundel. The outward leg alternates between riverside paths and low hills on the eastern side of the valley as far as South Stoke, with its distinctive little church. This variation crosses the river here and returns through water meadows, then skirts around the Arundel Wetland Centre. There's a choice of routes into Arundel: a gentle climb through Arundel Park or a level stroll along Mill Lane.

You could stop for an early drink or pub lunch at The George at Burpham, but if you can hold out for another hour I suggest pressing on to the Black Rabbit in its enviable riverside setting at Offham. At both places you might be able to eat outside without booking, but you'd certainly need to call ahead if you want a table inside. If they each decline your custom it's not much further into Arundel, which has plenty of possible lunch and tea places. It's a ten-minute walk from the town to the station.

You'll need to bring the directions from the L=swc.100.b

  • Wed, 08-Mar-23

    The London Victoria train arrives 11:55 not 11:02 as posted.

  • Wed, 08-Mar-23

    The train arrives Portsmouth at 11:55. The walk is from Arundel, at 11:02.

  • Sat, 11-Mar-23

    My mistake thanks

  • Sun, 12-Mar-23

    Nine walkers plus small dog met at the start and a tenth caught up at the George; later we overhauled another regular who'd started an hour earlier, so 11. [It should have been 12 but I was told that one of the group had unaccountably failed to alight from the train at Arundel]. The weather was a bit of everything ; pleasantly mild with sunny intervals at the start, but soon followed by much cooler conditions under scudding clouds with occasional light drizzle.

    From the train the walk poster had viewed the flooded water meadows around Pulborough with some alarm but his worst fears proved unfounded. Slithery mud on the embankment paths made for slow going in places but the specified route turned out to be quite manageable.

    The Black Rabbit had claimed to be fully booked but a group of five had previously managed to reserve a table at the George and had lunch there. The rest of us had a drink and pressed on. The rain had started by the time we reached the Black Rabbit so two carried on down the lane to Arundel, but there was plenty of space in a tented area on the riverside veranda and the pub delivered food there with commendable speed.

    As the rain had eased off by then we took the longer route through Arundel Park, with the result that we arrived in the town just as all the tea rooms and cafés were closing up. We'd briefly met up again with some of the George lunchers as we were leaving the Black Rabbit, but didn't see any of them on the 16:54 train.

Wednesday 06-Apr-22

Marcus
Start SWC 100, then switch to Book 1 Walk 32 (R) Arundel to Amberley for return to Arundel

Length: 16.2 km (10 miles)
Toughness: 7 out of 10 One hill in the morning, three steady ascents in the afternoon
London Victoria: 10-05 hrs Southern service to Bognor and Portsmouth & Southsea CJ: 10-12, EC: 10-23 hrs
Arrive Arundel: 11-28 hrs
Return
Arundel to Victoria: approx 13 and 47 mins past the hour
Amberley to Victoria: 17 mins past the hour
Rail ticket: buy a day return to Arundel
This mix-and-match walk combines the start of SWC 100 with the reverse of the morning leg of Book 1 Walk 32, making a delightful, energetic outing along the route of the River Arun in South Downs territory without actually ascending the Downs.
Leaving Arundel railway station we head for the River Arun for a relaxing, opening leg alongside the river. We leave the river and make for Warningcamp Hill, which we ascend before dropping down to the villages of Wepham and Burpham, where we stop for lunch at its popular and excellent pub, The George. Booking ahead is essential. Tel 01903-883131. Our e.t.a is 12-50 hrs, so suggest book for 1 pm. Picnickers stop outside the church nearby or in the recreation ground - also nearby.
After lunch we switch to the Book One walk to reverse the morning leg of Walk 32, initially over water meadows - if not flooded - and back beside the River Arun to South Stoke. If we find these water meadows under water, we switch to plan B - and do the afternoon leg of the Book 1 walk, ascending the South Downs before heading down to Amberley. Otherwise, after South Stoke we soon enter Arundel Park, for a number of ascents before we drop down over a grassy parkland whilst enjoying lovely views. Leaving the park we walk down the High Street passing on the way Arundel Cathedral and Arundel Castle. For tea options in the town please refer to the Walk Directions.
This walk seldom disappoints.
T=swc.100
Walk Directions are here: L=swc.100
and the Book 1 Walk here
  • Tue, 05-Apr-22

    Lovely walk but heavy rain forecast tomo..is anyone still going?

  • Wed, 06-Apr-22

    I'm going

  • Wed, 06-Apr-22

    The train crawled as far as Gatwick making us 20 min late starting. Just 3 diehards today, others no doubt deterred by the forecast. But there was no rain to speak of. It was slightly damp to start but mainly dry and cloudy Windy though. A bit splashy around Warningcamp but otherwise not too bad underfoot. The others felt the George came up too soon for lunch so we continued past. (Mr Tiger tried not to sulk). Saw some little lambies near South Stoke. Eventually we climbed up through Arundel Park after a quick stop for a sandwich half way up (or in Mr Tigers case, a dry unbuttered bun - don’t ask!) Up top, it wasn’t just windy, it was jet-stream windy. Not that that bothered Mr Tiger. Just T-shirt weather to him. Down he strode, whistling a happy tune. We had a spot of bother coming down because large tracts were blocked with electric fencing (more lambies). We had to veer off the gps route and follow the green sward down a steep slope. In Arundel we went in the Red Lion where 2 had coffee and the other got his laughing gear round a half of cider.

    During the day we saw bluebells (sort of flowering) wild garlic (not yet flowering) primroses Daffs. A tough walk but someone had to do it.

    M

  • Mon, 11-Apr-22

    This walk has been posted twice recently so most people have done it.

Saturday 23-Oct-21

Marcus
SWC 100 for morning leg, then reverse of Book 1 Walk 32 Arundel to Amberley, for an Arundel Circular walk
Length: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Toughness: 7 out of 10 Some steady ascents after lunch, and one before lunch
London Victoria: 10-05 hrs Southern service to Portsmouth Harbour and Bognor Regis CJ: 10-12, EC: 10-23, Horsham: 11-04 hrs
Arrive Arundel: 11-28 hrs
Return 15-47, 16-13, 16-45, 17-13, 17-46, 18-13hrs and later
Mid-week walkers have tried this mix-and-match walk on a couple of occasions in recent years, and they liked it, so let's now introduce Saturday walkers to it - I don't think they will be disappointed.
Leaving Arundel railway station on walk SWC 100 we walk beside the River Arun for a while until heading inland and then up Warningcamp Hill, to enjoy a fine view from its summit. It is on then to through the village of Wepham to the village of Burpham, where we stop for an early lunch at The George, popular with SWC walkers. Picnickers can either stop at the benches just outside the churchyard opposite the pub, or in the nearby cricket field.
After lunch we continue alongside the River Arun to the hamlet of South Stoke, with its lovely little church (usually open). Those wanting a shorter and easier afternoon could stick with the SWC 100b route and head back down the valley to Arundel, but the preferred route is to switch to Book 1, Walk 32 (in the reverse direction). We go along a woodland path above the river before we head through a gate in the estate wall to enter the modest back garden belonging to the Duke of Norfolk - Arundel Park. We now negotiate a number of ascents before we drop down through the vast grassy parkland, with fine views all around. One more chalky path steadily uphill towards Hiorne Tower (a folly) and then we leave the Park to head downhill into the centre of Arundel, passing on the way Arundel (Roman Catholic) Cathedral on your right and Arundel Castle on your left. In town you will find tea shops and pubs for post-walk refreshments.
T=swc.100.b
Walk Directions for the SWC walk are here, and for the Book 1 walk are here
  • Anonymous
    Wed, 20-Oct-21

    Lovely area, but a long way for a short walk. Not dark til 6. Anyone up for an extension? Thank you.

  • Fri, 22-Oct-21

    I don't understand the mileage.

    Why 13.0 m and then 9.3?

    Austen

  • Sat, 23-Oct-21

    Hi Austen

    I guess because there are lots of options in SWC.100. By doing the Warningcamp Hill and Burpham start before reverting to the Book 1 walk, in reverse, today's posted walk length is 9.3 miles. But there are longer - and shorter - options available depending on the route you wish to take. Something for everyone.

  • Sat, 23-Oct-21

    A baker's dozen for the walk, plus one other SWC walker who opted to spend her day sightseeing in Arundel, visiting the Castle and Cathedral. As she joined us for her journey home, I will include her in the headcount, so that's 14.

    The morning leg was fairly dry underfoot and the riverside path was not muddy for once. However, on the journey down we noticed from the train windows plenty of flooded fields and the burst banks of the River Arun in places - a warning for what was to come. We reached the George Inn in Burpham after just over an hours very pleasant walking. Eight of us dined with some of the sandwichers joining us for a drink. Most of the diners chose the venison pie - which was delicious ! Two of the sandwichers set out before the rest of us to beat the bounds of the Book 1 afternoon leg (in reverse), only to return to the George and report the fields below the pub were flooded and unpassable . So back to the drawing board to devise an alternative route. Fortunately, we had the SWC 100 Walk Author with us, who is never knowingly shy in including lots of options in his walks - so with his help we managed to find alternative afternoon routes: 3 returned to Arundel on the Riverside path (I believe) and most of the rest set off on the Book 1 walk to Amberley (the sandwichers twenty minutes before the diners). At the path junction where the Book 1 route took us up a long flight of steep steps the Walk Author opted to recce the flat route to Amberley via North Stoke, to check if this route was passable when adjoining water meadows were soggy. Result - it was - but only just. For the rest of us, having regained our breath at the top of the steps, our onward journey along the top of the Downs before the descent to Amberley was straightforward, dry and most enjoyable. I believe 3 went into the village proper for tea, leaving the rest of us to descend High Titten. We had just enough time for tea at the Bridge Inn (the riverside cafe having closed at tea time !).It transpired all but the Walk Author were on the 16-17 hrs train from Amberley, our author having caught the service one hour before us, and our journey home was uneventful.

    As for the weather, it was overcast and cloudy all day but very mild . It didn't matter that the sun failed to make an appearance all day as I believe all enjoyed their eventful short walk today of between 7.5 and 8 miles.

    If perchance any of our "longer walkers" set out on the 13 mile version of the SWC 100 walk and travelled down to Arundel on the service an hour before the rest of us, do please file your own report. It would be interesting to learn if you found any part of your route flooded, necessitating a diversion or two.

Saturday 07-Dec-19

Stargazer
Stargazer
SWC Walk 100: Amberley to Arundel or Amberley T=swc.100

Distance: Something for everyone…..from 4.2 miles/6.75 km just walking one leg from Amberley to Arundel up to 14.1 miles/22.75 km for the full route around to Amberley and back again to Arundel…with a 9.9 mile/16 km middle distance Amberley circular

Difficulty: 3-5 out of 10, depending on route taken….

Train: Take the 9:36 AM Southhampton/Bognor Regis train from London Victoria (stopping at Clapham Junction at 9:43 and East Croydon at 9:53), arriving at Amberley at 10:57. Return trains from Amberley are at 17 past the hour until 21:17 and from Arundel at 13 and 46 past the hour until 21:46. Buy a day return to Amberley or, if planning to finish in Arundel, Arundel.

A special seasonal treat awaits on this walk – posted to coincide with the Arundel by Candlelight festival. This walk seems almost perfectly designed for this event – as it is comprised of 3 different legs between Amberley and Arundel meaning that you can do a short walk and enjoy the festivities, do a long walk and just pass through the festivities or do something in between.... You should arrive in Arundel about the time the festival starts and can spend all or some of the afternoon there. For those doing the long walk, you would most likely make it back for the end of the festival…possibly in the dark…However, I will add that the route along the river from Amberley to Arundel is fairly easy to follow in the dark and has, in fact, featured in our moonlight walking escapades in the past. You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here.

Lunch could be had either in Arundel at various establishments mentioned in the walk notes (4.2 miles/6.75km into the walk) or, for those doing the longer route, the popular George in Burpham (6 miles/10km into the walk). Tea and other late afternoon refreshments can be had at either the Bridge Inn near Amberley Station if finishing in Amberley or at the Black Rabbit on the riverside route back to Arundel, if doing the long route.

Enjoy the walk!
  • Anonymous
    Fri, 06-Dec-19

    Anyone for Arundel Circular?

  • Sun, 08-Dec-19

    15 gathered on the platform for the briefing.....then set off at various paces in cloudy but warm and dry conditions with various intended routes (I believe some people did each of the short, medium and long options).....on the way we saw a familiar face leading some friends on an Arundel circular and later the long walkers met another familiar face on the Arundel platform and shared the journey home....

    We splintered somewhat on the steep incline into Arundel Park, some explored the lake and others paused for sandwiches....On arrival in Arundel we were greeted with carols and enjoyed some mulled wine while exploring the festivities.....Four then carried on to lunch in Burpham where we met the two explorers and were later joined by 2 early picnickers....Ultimately, the 8 of us set off towards North Stoke picking up to more picnickers on the way....In North Stoke, 3 of this group continued to Amberley while 7 turned back towards Arundel....in the dusk along the river path....we stopped at the Black Rabbit for a drink after which it was properly dark for the final stretch with a tentative 3/4 moon popping out from time to time. On this final stretch we were treated to a well-lit cathedral on the hill and sounds of a choir floating in the air.....Back in Arundel the festivities were still on...with a choir singing in the main street and most of the buildings bedecked with pretty white lights and mini trees....3 headed for the 18:48 and 4 had a bite to eat in the Norfolk Arms before catching the 19:48....A full festive day...

Monday 26-Aug-19

Marcus
Arundel Circular

 Start of SWC 100 - Arundel and Ambeley walk in the morning, then in afternoon, the reverse of the morning leg of Book 1, Walk 32 - Arundel to Amberley.

Length: 16 km (10 miles)
Toughness: 7 out of 10 One incline in the morning, three steady inclines in the afternoon

Lots of options to mix and match, to lengthen or shorten walk, by ascending the South Downs or not, heading for North Stoke and Amberley instead of returning to Arundel, or returning to Arundel by a riverside route.

London Victoria: 09-36 hrs Bognor and Southampton Central service CJ 09-43 EC 09-53
Train splits at Horsham
Arrive Amberley: 10-57 hrs
Arrive Arundel: 11-01 hrs

Return

Arundel: 13 and 46 mins past the hour
Amberley: 17 mins past the hour

Rail ticket: a day return to Arundel works for both Amberley and Arundel returns.

SWC Wednesday walkers gave this combination a spin last February and it worked well, although I understated the toughness rating - now corrected as above.

In the morning the suggested route after a stretch along the river Arun takes you up Warningcamp Hill - with some delightful views - to the villages of Wepham then Burpham, for an early lunch at the popular and usually very good (but very busy) George Inn - your e.t.a 12-30 pm. Reserving a table ahead is advised for inside dining - otherwise, take a chance with outside tables.

After lunch the suggested route is to reverse the opening leg of Book1, Walk 32 via South Stoke then Arundel Park, the Duke of Norfolk's modest back garden. On into the town passing Arundel Castle and Arundel Cathedral on the way. You have a good choice of refreshment stops in town.

Alternative routes: from Burpham, you can do the afternoon leg of the Book 1 walk by climbing up onto the South Downs, and making for Amberley, or - on reaching the hamlet of South Stoke, you can head for the hamlet of North Stoke, then Houghton Bridge and on into Amberley: or from South Stoke, take the riverside path back to Arundel via Offham and the Black Rabbit pub.

Whichever route you take - enjoy !
T=swc.100
Walk Directions SWC 100 are here: L=swc.100
Book 1, Walk 32 Directions are here
  • Anonymous
    Sun, 25-Aug-19

    Hi

    I am afraid I am getting a bit confused with the directions for the start of the walk. Is is the bit od the SWC 100 that os the aru del. ircular starting from Arundel?

    Thank you

    Ana

  • Anonymous
    Sun, 25-Aug-19

    How much is the train fare for this please?

  • Mon, 26-Aug-19

    Ana, from Arundel railway station, you follow Directions in SWC 100 para 4.2, then 5, then 6 to Burpham. You then reverse Book 1, Walk 32 from Burpham to South Stoke to Arundel Park and back to Arundel railway station via the High Street, passing the Castle and the Cathedral on the way.

    Enjoy the walk.

    With travel cards the cost of the return rail fare should be shy of £ 20 today.

  • Fri, 30-Aug-19

    I am advised there were 10 of you on this walk, on a sunny and hot day , ice cream weather. 6 dined at the George, with sandwichers joining them for drinks. 3 continued on to Amberley, with the rest returning to Arundel.

    But better if someone who was on the walk gave a fuller report.

Wednesday 13-Feb-19

Marcus
SWC 100 - Arundel Circular: morning leg of SWC 100; in afternoon, opening leg of Book 1, Walk 32 - in reverse

Length: 16 km (10 miles)
Toughness: 3 out of 10 (a few gentle inclines and descents, otherwise flat)

London Victoria: 10-06 hrs Bognor & Portsmouth Harbour service CJ 10-13 hrs, EC 10-23 hrs
Arrive Arundel: 11-28 hrs

Return: 13 & 46 mins past the hour


Mid-week walkers experimented with this mix and match walk combo this time last year, and as it was well received and worked quite well, let's give it another spin !

The walk includes what is arguably the best bits of the SWC Extra walk and the Book 1 classic. I leave it to you to read up the details in the Walk Directions.

Lunch is at the popular George Inn in Burpham. I will make a reservation for us. Back in Arundel you have a choice of tea shops and local hostelries.
T=swc.100
You will need SWC 100 for your morning leg-here L=swc.100

.......and for your afternoon leg, Book 1, Walk 32 (R) - here

To follow the Book 1 walk in reverse, without one of those hand-held gizmos, the SWC Walking Backwards Guide might be of assistance - here
  • Anonymous
    Mon, 04-Feb-19

    Hi Marcues,

    Before I book my ticket just checking that this walk is DEFINITELY going ahead next Wednesday. Please can you re confirm?

    thanks very much,

    lily

  • Tue, 05-Feb-19

    Hi Lily

    I'm not aware of any planned industrial action or emergency engineering works which could prevent this walk taking place, or put a spanner in the works, so - yes - best I know, the walk will go ahead as posted - and I hope to be in attendance.

    Marcus

  • Anonymous
    Tue, 05-Feb-19

    OK, thanks very much Marcus. Much appreciated.

    lily

  • Anonymous
    Tue, 05-Feb-19

    Hi again,

    Just an FYI, ticket booked for Arundel

    thanks

    lily

  • Anonymous
    Mon, 11-Feb-19

    Hello Marcus I may do my own version of Amberley to Arundel swithching to your vwersion in the afternoon Jane

    Walk 22 Book 2

  • Mon, 11-Feb-19

    Hi Jane, your Book 2 start also makes for a lovely walk. The 10-06 hrs service does not stop at Amberley, so you should aim for the earlier 09-36 hrs service from Victoria to Bognor and Southampton Central (Clapham Junction 09-43 hrs). We hope to see you in Burpham.

  • Anonymous
    Wed, 13-Feb-19

    Been delayed so will be o30mns behind you on this morning's walk

    See you at lunch ;)

    Lise

  • Wed, 13-Feb-19

    16 off the much delayed (signal failure near Earlsfield) train, plus 1 who had driven down and set off unwilling to wait, plus 1 on a later train, met at the lunch pub, 18. The weather was sunny and warm for the season . Snowdrops, Primroses and Daffodils (just in the one place) were out, and a woodpecker was heard. Else a perfectly quiet day with some interesting churches and fine far views from the downs.

    The lunch pub was kind of stressed out by us ordering individually at the bar (could they still charge the "large table-10% surcharge" for service? they could...) and by paying higgledy-piggledy, and then having the temerity to ask for cutlery with the meals, but the food at least deserved a 7/10 rating, so all in: ok-ish for the (steep) prices. At the end, one of the vanguard dashed for the 16.13, while others dived into the Motte & Bailey cafe (unused to the luxury of finishing a walk while the cafes are still open) in the knowledge that the next train was just 30 minutes away...only to then see it had been cancelled. The extra time gained was spent in The White Hart, where most of the later arrivals joined us.

  • Anonymous
    Thu, 14-Feb-19

    A thought: isn't it time that we used a more scientific way of assessing walk difficulty? There are walk apps that give details of total ascent and descent, and we can also factor in distance before and after lunch as well as total distance walked. The difficulty figure is surely for the guidance of new or less-experienced walker, rather than those who can happily walk 20 miles. I would say that the description of the Arundel Circular as having "one or two gentle inclines" is misleading. it was a great walk, but also has some significant climbs and descents and, importantly, 70% of the walk comes after lunch. I would have given the walk a "5", at least. what do others think?

  • Trainspotter
    Thu, 14-Feb-19

    A small piece of information for anyone thinking of claiming compensation for yesterday's signaling problems. The location was Earlswood (not Earlsfield)!

  • Thu, 14-Feb-19

    Picking up on "Anonymous's " point over difficulty - agreed - this version of the Arundel walk warranted a toughness rating of 5, and not the 3 as posted. Difficulty ratings for most of our walks are properly assessed by walk authors who take into account ascents and descents and distances, using gpx and other devices as necessary: no need to adopt anything more "scientific" as suggested by Anonymous. I just got today's rating wrong.

    Whilst in apology mode, I must apologise for my short outburst of bad temper in the George sans Dragon at lunch. Thomas has reported on the haphazard service - I briefly got fed up when they lost my order. But to be fair to the staff, the pub has just changed hands and the staff are still getting used to the new systems. And the food when it arrived was up to the George's usual high standard.

    A nice walk in positively Spring-like weather, some lovely vistas, mud-levels mostly low - and good SWC company.

Saturday 03-Nov-18

Thomas G
Length: 22.1 km (13.7 mi) [shorter walk possible]
Ascent/Descent: 312/305m; Net Walking Time: ca. 5 ¼ hours
Toughness: 6 out of 10
Take the 09.16 Bognor Regis train from Victoria [ CJ 09.23, EC 09.33] , arriving Arundel at 10.39 .
Return trains: xx.14.
This walk essentially consists of three distinct legs between Amberley and Arundel which the walk author has combined to make four different versions: there is a gently undulating leg from Arundel to Amberley, a relatively strenuous stretch from Amberley to Arundel and a meandering leg along the Arun Valley from Amberley to Arundel.
The posted variation is not one of those four versions : it has the advantages of a more frequent train out in the morning (enabling a start after 9); of lunch at the riverside Black Rabbit in Offham or in Arundel (which has more choice than Amberley) and of a finish in Amberley where the tea place is minutes from the station as compared to Arundel (where the station is kilometres from any amenities), and yet you can follow written directions all the way (not that many SWC-folk do that these days, of course…). And compared to the long Amberley to Arundel via Amberley walk, you can save a good half kilometre by turning right on your way into Arundel just after the large roundabout and picking up the riverside path asap (and turn right along it).
Features: a climb over the South Downs through Arundel Park; Arundel Castle , the principal seat of the Dukes of Norfolk; the ornate Roman Catholic Arundel Cathedral , in a French Gothic style; the interesting parish church of St Nicholas ; the River Arun; the low hills on the edge of the large Angmering Park Estate ; the Arundel Wetland Centre , managed by the Wildlife and Wetland Trust.
The written directions: start with para 4.b., follow this walk’s text all the way to lunch in Arundel, then pick up the text of Book 1 Walk 32 Arundel to Amberley from paras 5/6 to para 23, and turn left along the river’s west bank instead of right. In 2 km you reach Houghton Bridge and turn right across it to The Bridge Inn and the station. For a shorter walk: finish after leg 2 in Arundel (more frequent trains).

Lunch: The Black Rabbit in Offham (ca. 13 km, food all day) and plenty of choice in Arundel (ca. 15 km), amongst which are the Ristorante Osteria Pappardelle , a Pizza Express , The Red Lion , the Norfolk Arms Hotel and the Swan Hotel .
For walk directions, map, height profile , photos and gpx/kml files click here and here . T=swc.100.c
  • Sat, 03-Nov-18

    1 SWC-Old Timer - for reasons unknown - started from Amberley, i.e. from the 'wrong'station, and half an hour after the group, and - intriguingly - we never saw him on the route (some though did see him on the return train). 14 others started as posted, from Arundel. The route worked quite well as posted, we thought: a fair mixture of reed-lined riverside seawall, meadows, pastures, woods, rolling hills with far views and Arundel Park. Some impressive stands of autumnal woods. Some impressive buildings and churches.

    We got to The Black Rabbit in Offham after 3 hours of walking. It is a big pub and was heaving when we arrived, but it is also a very well-run place, so tables emptied all the time and we quickly found a corner to sit every one of us together. The food was very good, the service quick and attentive. Recommended. [Then again, it's a Hall & Woodhouse pub, so there is no surprise there.]

    The front group walked the diversion to North Stoke Church, the longer route around the Wetlands and had a good look at all the churches on route, and got to the Bridge Inn at Amberley Station just before 5 o'clock. 17.14 train for some, another drink and a chat and then the 18.14 for the rest. 15 sunny and warm for the season

  • Sun, 04-Nov-18

    Addendum: 2 of the 15 (incl. a first-timer) finished after 2/3 at Arundel.

  • David Colver
    Sun, 04-Nov-18

    2 took lunch at the Amberley tea room opposite the pub and by the river, which we reached at 1230, and thereby hoped to beat the crowds. This place had tables talking to each other as a result of the gimmick of selling Flora, a variety of tea in which a compressed flower lurks in the glass, and opens spectacularly over two or three minutes in the hot water.

    "The route worked quite well as posted, we thought" is an understatement in my view; an exceptional day out. Thanks to Thomas for thinking of it.

Wednesday 07-Feb-18

Marcus
SWC 100 - Arundel and Amberley

 Length: 16 km (10 miles) Longer options between 12 and 14 miles available
Toughness: 4 out of 10; 7 out of 10 if climbing up onto the South Downs

London Victoria: 10-06 hrs Portsmouth Harbour / Bognor train. C.J 10-12 hrs; E.C 10-23 hrs
Arrive Arundel: 11-26 hrs

Return: Arundel: 12 and 46 mins past the hour
Return: Amberley to Victoria: 17 mins past the hour

Rail ticket: buy a day return to Arundel

We have the chance to mix and match a number of TO Book and SWC walks today, but I am going to suggest the following:

Starting with SWC 100 - Arundel and Amberley - we will head out along the River Arun's riverside path (could be muddy) for about 1 km before we divert away from the river to Warningcamp Hill, then the village of Wepham and on to Burpham for lunch at the popular George Inn. A number of places will be booked for us.
After lunch we will reverse the Book 1- Arundel to Amberley Walk 32, which takes us back along the river Arun to the village of South Stoke, with its quaint little church, then a route above the river into Arundel Park, then down through the Park to the centre of Arundel, passing Arundel Castle and the Roman Catholic Cathedral on the way, for tea in Arundel, before the short walk to the railway station for your twice hourly journey back to London.
Today's proposed route does not take us up onto the South Downs, but if you would like a more strenuous walk over the Downs, after Burpham you could switch to Book 1 Walk 32's afternoon leg, or alternatively reverse the Book 2 Walk 22 opening leg up onto the Downs, before your descent to Amberley. Or you could divert to North Stoke.......anything and everything goes today ! Just hope the weather is kinder to us today than when we did a version of this walk exactly one year ago - when it rained heavily for most of the day.
T=swc.100
Walk Directions here: L=swc.100

  • Anonymous
    Tue, 06-Feb-18

    Dear Marcus I wonder if it would be possible for you to list a Jazz concert in which I am singing on the 23rd mardh. It will take place at St Peters Church covent Garden at 7 30 pm. Tickets will be £23 per head .

    Thanks,

    Jane

  • Tue, 06-Feb-18

    Hello Jane

    I will pass this on to Lucilla, our Social Secretary, to see if she would like to put your concert up on our website.

    Kind regards

    Marcus

  • Anonymous
    Tue, 06-Feb-18

    Hi Jane, I googled St Peter's Covent Garden, It did not show up. (only St Paul's showed up). At St Paul's, there is a performance on Feb 23 by Angelic Voices - If I am not mistaken, it is by The Godolphin Vocal Ensemble (which is an all girls school Choir for three to upper six years). Is it the performance you meant? Are you a walker in SWC club?(sorry for my ignorance). Lucilla

  • Anonymous
    Tue, 06-Feb-18

    Sorry Jane, I got the date wrong, it is Mar 23 Jazz Choir by Addison Singers at St Paul's Covent Garden, but my question remains

  • Anonymous
    Tue, 06-Feb-18

    Jane, if you are going to this walk, please give your concert details to Marcus, he can then pass on to Lucilla.

  • Anonymous
    Wed, 07-Feb-18

    Hello everyone . Yes the concert is Addisons Jazz Choir of which I am a member . It will take place on 23rd March near to Covent Garden.

    Time is 7 30

    i had hoped to walk today but changed my mind. Is difficult for me on a wednesday now because I have book club and then dancing

    Best

    Jane

  • Anonymous
    Wed, 07-Feb-18

    Thank you Marcus,

    Best,

    jane

  • Anonymous
    Wed, 07-Feb-18

    Hi, Jane, I am happy to post your Jazz concert. But before I do, we need to identify your full name as the host of the event so other walkers know who is organising it and who to look out for. We have several Jane in the walking group, which one are you if you do not mind me asking? In addition, are you planning to host a pre-concert or/and post concert meet-up with those who attend your concert? if so where and when? Thanks. Lucilla

  • Thu, 08-Feb-18

    9 on this walk on a day of lovely crisp sunshine . Blue sky! Colour! Beauty! Such a change for a walker whose last three outings have been on wet Saturdays.

    Early on the ground was also fairly frozen, which made the start along the banks of the River Arun very much less muddy than it ought to have been. Later in the day the ground got a bit softer and we all had plenty of gunk to clean off our boots at the end, but in general paths were firm underfoot.

    What a nice winter walk this combination of two walks made. The SWC 100 route as far as Burpham was full of scenic contrast - Arundel Castle soaring in the sunshine above the reedy river plain, then downland valleys and a panoramic view followed by a gentle walk across fields into Burpham. Six of us were booked for 1pm at the George and Dragon, but it turned out to be a good thing we arrived 20 minutes early. That meant we got our order in before a big rush of other arrivals. Since the food did not come out of the kitchen with stellar speed, we might otherwise have had a long wait. As it is we had finished lunch within the hour.

    Afterwards a very nice walk along the river and then up over the hills of the Norfolk estate to Arundel, reversing the book one morning. With the late afternoon sun slanting across the hills, this was a nice finish to the walk. We had tea in the Mote and Something tea room and got a train home at dusk. All in all a very jolly day, and sorry to all of you that had to spend the day working....

Saturday 15-Jul-17

Dirk
t=3.100

Length: Depends: Circular walk between 16km and 19km, full there, back and there again 23km
Toughness: Depends (see above)
Transport: Take the 9:36 from London Victoria to Amberley, arriving at 10:55. Return trains from Amberley at 17:17, 18:17, 18:59, 19:29, 19:52 and some more; return trains from Arundel at 17:12, 17:46, 18:12, 18:54, 19:24 and some more. I do not know what the impact of the "no overtime" directive on Southern trains will be. So if the 9:36 does not run try the next on at 10:06 to Arundel and start the walk from there.

This is a walk with many variants and I see it more like an invitation to have fun in the beautiful area between Amberley and Arundel. The full instructions lead you from Amberley to Arundel, back to Amberley and out again to Arundel which is about 23km. However, you can finish the walk after any number of legs > 0 between Amberley and Arundel. I recommend to bring a map and agree within the group which side paths you would like to explore. For example the churches in North and South Stokes are worth a visit (part of leg 3). I also recommend to pass by Swanbourne Lake where light snacks, tea and ice cream should be available (end of leg 3).

  • Anonymous
    Fri, 14-Jul-17

    3 of us are planning to do Amberley circular, more manageable 10 miles, you are welcome to join us.

  • Anonymous
    Sun, 16-Jul-17

    8, cloudy in the morning sunshine in the afternoon . The walk was as lovely as ever, 6 did Amberley circular, 1 left at Arundel, joined by another to explore the area separately and was not seen again. Lunch at Red Lion and tea at The George at Burpham - both nice pubs. One had tea and cake at Riverside Cafe. We took 5:17 train back to London. It was a nice day out in good company. Pity some walkers were deterred by the fear of Southern Rail strike. The train was running on time in both directions

Sunday 11-Jun-17

Andrew
An Amberley Circular

Length: 16km, Toughness: 4/10, SWC Walk 100 (Arundel and Amberley) option a

Catch the 10:02 from London Victoria to Amberley (if you miss it, the 10:06 overtakes it, change at Gatwick). Return trains at xx:20. There's a station pub, riverside tea room (recommended), and bistro.

A lovely walk on the South Downs, through Arundel Park to Arundel castle (and cathedral).

Then loop back to Amberley for tea.

L=swc.100
  • Tue, 13-Jun-17

    7 (+ 1 dog) sunny light breeze 5 off the train met 2 who drove (free parking at Amberley station). A really nice walk, a mix of woods, castle, cathedral, folly, downland and viewpoints, and at a gentle pace to enjoy the view. Arundel impressed. We split at lunch. A long riverside lunch for 5 at the Waterside Cafe (left from the bridge). Some discussion of politics. The nettles are now tall enough to consider long trousers. Thanks to the walk's author!

Saturday 16-Jul-16

Dirk
T=SWC.100 Length: 23 km / 14 m
Toughness: 6 / 10
Transport: Take the 9:36 train from London Victoria, arriving at Amberley at 10:55
Return from Amberley at 17:17, 18:17, 18:59, 19:20 and later trains

This is a lovely walk along the Arun and up onto the nearby downs visiting Arundel at the half-way point. I suggest the walk via North and South Stokes with their picturesque churches.

  • Anonymous
    Wed, 13-Jul-16

    You have not told us how to find the directions for this walk, or indeed which walk number it is

  • Anonymous
    Wed, 13-Jul-16

    It's the downloadable walk book 3, walk 100. This is the link to the walk page http://www.walkingclub.org.uk/book_3/walk_100/index.shtml

  • Anonymous
    Thu, 14-Jul-16

    Keen to do this walk - anyone else?

  • Fri, 15-Jul-16

    When the Sunday walkers did this walk three weeks ago some of the footpaths in §7 were very overgrown. The directions have been updated to point out alternative routes which you could take.

    The walk's unusual design is Amberley->Arundel->Amberley->Arundel, with different routes for each leg. So if you stop for lunch in Arundel, that's only one-third of the way through the full 23km version. If you want to visit the churches Dirk recommends you'll need to do the third leg, whereas the return train times assume you'll call it a day and return from Amberley (as we all did in June). Of course, you can always vary the walk and do some or all of the sections in a different order, or even in reverse. Your choice!

    PS. Buy a return to Amberley and a supplement on the way back if you return from Arundel. See the Transport section.

  • David Colver
    Fri, 15-Jul-16

    Is this walk different from the one of two or three weeks ago?

  • Anonymous
    Tue, 19-Jul-16

    David's question was not answered. Anyone turn up on walk?

  • Thu, 21-Jul-16

    3 people did a variation of an Amberley circular walk on this sunny and hot day. We followed the instructions from Amberley in the morning until after the descent from Arundel Park where we decided to walk passed the lovely Swanbourne Lake and via the "grand Arun loop" into Arundel. After a picnic and a drink we resumed the instructions of the leg back to Amberley with a slight detour via South and North Stokes in order to have a look at the churches. Parts of the detour proved to be almost a jungle adventure with the path overgrown way above our heads and brambles and nettles cannily stretching themselves towards us making it impossible to escape unscratched. A great day out in superb countryside.

Sunday 26-Jun-16

Sean
Extra Walk 100a – Amberley Circular via Arundel
Length: 16 km (9.9 miles). Toughness: 4/10.

Or Longer walk, with extra leg back to Arundel: 22¾ km (14.1 miles), 6/10.

10:02 Bognor Regis train from Victoria (Clapham Jct 10:08, East Croydon 10:18), arriving Amberley at 11:25. If you just miss this, the 10:06 Brighton train is scheduled to overtake it, giving you a sporting chance of catching it at Gatwick Airport. Buy a return to Amberley.

Return trains from Amberley are hourly at 20 minutes past, up to 21:20 (or 15 minutes past from Arundel, if you return from there).

This walk in the Arun valley includes a fairly stiff climb onto the South Downs near the start, but gets progressively easier throughout the day. There's a choice of lunch places in the interesting town of Arundel, with its imposing castle and large churches. The second leg takes a gently undulating route through the low hills on the other bank of the Arun, ending with the choice of a riverside tearoom or pub near Amberley station.

If the afternoon cuppa has revived you and it's a nice evening, you might be tempted to extend the walk to Arundel (again) with an undemanding route down the centre of the valley, the full walk's third leg. If you stay on for dinner in one of the town's restaurants, however, note that the last train back (9.15pm) is earlier than usual this Sunday. [You'll also need to buy a single from Arundel to Amberley to supplement your Amberley ticket, but this combination is actually cheaper than buying a return to Arundel in the first place].

You'll need to print the directions from the Extra Walk 100 page. T=swc.100.a
  • Tue, 28-Jun-16

    11 walkers had seen plenty of threatening grey clouds on the train but the day turned into perfect walking weather: dry and partly sunny with a light breeze . The riverside path near the start had a nice gloopy consistency but stacks of wooden planks lying around hinted that future mudlarks might not get the same enjoyment out of this stretch. At Arundel Castle a steady stream of arrivals for a T-20 cricket match suggested that the town might be overcrowded, but the pubs were no busier than usual and the Red Lion served the three pub lunchers its usual excellent fare.

    The afternoon stretch takes in some little-used footpaths and one in particular might make good training for anyone contemplating an expedition to the Amazon rainforest; none of us had brought machetes but I think we all made it through. There was plenty of time for tea and cake at the Riverside Café before the 17:20 train, with (as far as I know) no-one opting for the third leg back down the valley. No problems with Southern's ongoing dispute with its drivers, thankfully.