Petersfield to Rowlands Castle walk

Main walk: 16km (9.9 miles). 5 hours. For the whole outing, including trains, sights and meals, allow at least 9 hours.

OS Landranger Map 197 Explorer Map OL8 and 33 (formerly 120 and 133).

3 out of 10

An undulating ramble through the little known western reaches of the South Downs. Though there are one or two steep climbs, the gradients are not arduous, and your reward is some fine hilltop views in the second half of the walk.

Trains go from London Waterloo to Petersfield, the fastest journey time is one hour. Trains back from Rowlands Castle run once an hour. Journey time: 1 hour 28 minutes. Buy a day return to Rowlands Castle. If driving, park at the station car park at Petersfield, which is one stop up the line from Rowlands Castle.

If stopping at the earlier lunch place at Buriton take the train nearest to 10.30 am from Waterloo Station to Petersfield, otherwise if stopping at the later lunch place at Chalton take the train nearest to 9.30 am

The Five Bells High Street, Buriton GU31 5RX (01730 263584) Food served every day 12 - 2.30pm. Located 4 km from the start of the walk.

Red Lion Chalton, Hampshire, PO8 0BG (023 9259 2246) Open all day. Food served M-Th 12 - 9pm, Fri & Sat 12 - 9.30pm, Sun 12 - 8pm. Located 9.5 km from the start of the walk.

Possibilities at Rowlands Castle:

Castle Inn Finchdean Road, Rowlands Castle PO9 6DA (023 9241 2494)

Fountain The Green, Rowlands Castle PO9 6AB (023 9241 2494)

Robin Hood The Green, Rowland's Castle, PO9 6AB (023 9241 2291)

After the walk, please leave a comment, it really helps. Thanks!

You can also upload photos to the SWC Group on Flickr (upload your photos) and videos to Youtube. This walk's tags are:

National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Traveline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Apr-22 DAC