If you are looking for a walk with a castle that looks like it came out straight from a fairy tale, then the Amberley to Arundel walk is what you need. From the hill of the Southdowns, walking along the Arun river and ending in a medieval market town, this walk is not only a nice walk for hikers but equally offers rewarding views and points of interest.
If you are reading this and it is getting close to Christmas, then this is my recommendation for a December hike. The walk ends in Arundel, a pretty market town that hosts Christmas events such as a market and carols. And the local High Street offers a lot of antique shops. Perfect place to get Christmas shopping done!
Disclaimer: Hiking groups may offer the same or similar walks along the River Arun in this area. Find out more information here.
Logistics of the Amberley to Arundel Walk
- Distance: 9.55 miles (15.4 km)
- Total Ascent: 777 ft (236 m)
- Highest Point: 630 ft (192 m)
- Lowest Point: -6.5 ft (-2 m)
- Walking Estimate: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate due to the hill at the start. The rest of the walk is pretty flat
How to get there:
- Direct train from Victoria Station to Amberley
- The journey takes 1 hour and 25 minutes.
For the return
- Direct train from Arundel to Victoria Station
- The journey takes 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Amberley and Arundel stations are operated by Southern trains so you can book an Arundel anytime return ticket and get off at Amberley.
What to Pack
- Comfortable footwear and clothing
- Gaiters as the path by the Arun River is muddy
- Backpack with water (2L minimum recommended), snacks and packed lunch
- Headcover as it gets windy at the top of the hill
- Money for the Christmas Market at the end
Additional Information:
- There are no public toilets on this hike, however, there is a pub in Burpham village where you can stop for a drink and a toilet break
Where to Eat
- White Hart, Arundel, West Sussex
Highlights of the Amberley to Arundel Walk
- Amberley
- Arun River
- Burpham Village
- Arundel Castle & Cathedral
- Arundel Christmas events
Amberley to Arundel Walk
Before you get to the shopping part and get to enjoy a nice glass of red wine in a traditional British pub, you need to walk to Arundel from Amberley. So, let’s go!
Amberley and the Southdowns
You start the walk in Amberley, a village in the district of West Sussex. Amberley is popular for its thatched cottages. Economically, Amberley used to be part of the trade of limestone to the United States at the beginning of the twentieth century. The village has a church, St Micheal’s, and a castle that has been turned into a hotel.
You start the walk by the most difficult part: climbing Rackham Hill (193 m). You might be laughing as you read this, thinking: “Difficult! This girl is an amateur“. Well, everything considered you are quite right. It is not that high, however, it is quite steep. And the highest you go, the windier it gets, which does not make it any easier. But once you reach the top, you can admire the amazing view over the Southdowns.
Towards Wepham Downs
Trig bagging aficionados warning: If you feel the urge when you get to the top of a hill to walk (or run) to the trig to take a picture, you might be disappointed. The trig is on private land so you would have to do with a picture from afar.
Keep walking towards Kithurst Hill (213 m) but this one, you won’t have to climb it. A quick picture of the sheep resting in the meadow, and you need to take the public path just before the pasture land. From there, you are leaving the Southdowns Way and walk on the ridge until you reach Wepham Downs.
As you walk across the fields battered by the wind, you will find a tree standing on its own in the middle of the plain. This is a perfect spot for a lunch break, and if you did not know what to cook for your winter hike, why not try this soup recipe to keep warm?
Other walks in the Southdowns: Winchester Circular
Wepham Downs to Arundel
Once the lunch is over, get back on the path and follow the trail across Wepham downs. This area was once a bird watcher’s spot. You will soon arrive at Burpham. This rural hamlet is composed mainly of the traditional West Sussex thatched houses. It is known to be a wealthy place to live in, and judging by the houses and the cars as you walk through the village, you understand why. It has a church, St Mary, a hundred years old cricket pitches and a public house. If you fancy a stop for a drink and a toilet break, this is your chance.
Back on the road, and as you leave the village you can see the Arun River at the bottom of the path. Find the stairs and walk down towards the river.
River Arun
The Arun River is 37 miles (60 km) long. It stretches from St Leonard’s Forest, its source, to the English Channel at Littlehampton.
Follow the winding river, hidden behind the tall reeds bordering the bank. Be careful and watch your steps. You are walking in the marshes and at any time you could step into a paddle hidden underneath the grass.
From there, you can see Arundel Castle. It seems close and you start believing it is almost the end of the walk, but in fact, it takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete this section of the walk.
Arundel Castle
And finally, you reach Arundel! This market town counts a medieval Castle, a Roman Cathedral and numerous listed buildings.
With nearly 1000 years of history, the Castle was at first a 100 feet tall motte. King Henry II built most of the Castle. However, the Castle suffered damages during the Civil War. The repairs were carried out later in 1718 by the 8th Duke of Northfolk. The Castle is often used for films set to represent Windsor Castle due to their similarities. It is also easier to get the authorisation to film in Arun Castle than in Windsor Castle.
The Castle and Gardens are open to the public from April to October. You can find a coffee shop, a souvenir shop and events such as History day or an open-air theatre.
Arundel
Cross over the bridge and you arrive at the bottom of the Castle. Continue on the High Street where you can find a large number of antique shops. If you are doing this walk during Christmas time, Arundel hosts events during the Christmas period. From a Christmas Market to Christmas Carols or history tours, check the event calendar here.
Fun fact: Arundel has the oldest Scout club in the world founded in 1908.
The Roman Catholic Cathedral of Arundel was commissioned by the 15th Duke of Northfolk. The building of the Cathedral began in 1868 and was dedicated in 1873. You can go inside and admire the French Gothic style of this Grade I listed building.
After a look around the town and maybe some purchases on the High Street, it is time for a rewarding drink or two before going back to London. If you are looking for a nice and cosy pub with outdoor space, I advise the White Hart. The pub is located on the other side of the bridge, and so is the train station. A shorter walk to the station is always welcomed after a few drinks!
Bon appetit!
Amberley to Arundel Walk Map
Did you like this walk? Download the map below and upload it on your navigation app to follow the route on your phone. Check my step-by-step guide on how to upload the map on your phone.
Final thoughts on Amberley to Arundel Walk
A nice walk in the South Downs, hilly countryside and fairy tale medieval Castle, the Amberley to Arundel walk is perfect for a day hike and a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you start early, I do advise that you take the time to visit Arundel, the town centre, the Castle and the Cathedral. It is really pretty and well conserved and if you chose to go around Christmas time, you can enjoy the Christmas spirit of the town.
And you, what is your favourite South Downs walk? Let me know in the comments below.
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