Lady’s Arundel to Amberley Walk

There’s something about the English countryside. The rolling hills, medieval castles, and fluffy sheep get my heart going every time. This time is no exception. I’m in West Sussex today for an Arundel to Amberley walk, and I can’t wait to see what the area has to offer (hint: there are castles involved).

Arundel to Amberley Walk

I’m here with a friend’s walking group. He’s generously organized the day and mapped out our route. It’s a south-to-north trek of 9 miles (14 kilometers) in the beautiful South Downs near England’s south coast.

We arrive by train to Arundel station, which is around an hour-and-a-half’s journey from London Victoria. I’m happy to see blue skies and sunshine when we alight.

Arundel to Amberley Walk: Arundel

I’m also happy to see Arundel Castle. I’ve spotted it from the train before, and I’ve always wanted to see the fortress up close. As we walk into town, it looms large on the horizon alongside an impressive cathedral.

Given this is an Arundel to Amberley walk, it’s fitting that we start our journey in Arundel itself. The town is full of pretty shops with names like Dinky Donkey Delights and Pots & Posies.

There are tearooms and traditional pubs on the high street, and the bucolic River Arun runs through it all.

We weave through historic streets and make our way up a hill to the castle. We don’t have time to visit on this trip, but I keep it in mind for the future.

Arundel to Amberley Walk: Hiorne Tower

Our walk takes us down London Road and alongside the cathedral before going rural in the grounds of the park of Arundel Castle.

Here we find ourselves in a green expanse punctuated by the impressive form of Hiorne Tower. This Gothic Revival prospect tower was designed in the 1780s by architect Francis Hiorne.

He had it built for the Duke of Norfolk, who wanted to see an example of his work before deciding whether to commission him to restore Arundel Castle.

We pose for photos in front of Hiorne Tower, then continue our Arundel to Amberley walk with a gradual descent into a valley near Swanbourne Lake.

Arundel to Amberley Walk: South Stoke

The path gradually rises again, giving way to sheep-studded fields and views of chalk cliffs as we make our way to the village of South Stoke.

This riverside spot has everything from picture-pretty cottages to historic churches and colorful doors.

In short, it’s so full of everything I love that I have to run to catch up with the group after taking a million photos.

Arundel to Amberley Walk: Burpham

From South Stoke, our Arundel to Amberley walk hugs the River Avon until we reach the railroad tracks. We cross over and head east to reach Burpham. This village is a stunner, with thatched roof cottages and an idyllic country pub.

We stop at said pub for lunch. The George at Burpham is buzzing today, but we manage to get seats outside at the picnic tables.

Unfortunately they won’t let us order from the main menu even though we called ahead and told them we were coming.

The outdoor menu isn’t extensive, but we order some platters and the food is welcome sustenance after the first half of our walk.

Arundel to Amberley Walk: Amberley

Lunch finished, we continue our Arundel to Amberley walk with a big uphill hike, a walk through fields, and a gradual descent towards a perfectly round pond.

We pose for more photos there before heading uphill again. Soon we’re on the South Downs Way in view of Amberley, which has a castle of its own.

We’re heading towards the train station, though, so we don’t get a chance to see it up close. We pass by some country houses and the local museum before ending our walk at Amberley station.

The walk has taken around six hours including the lunch stop in Burpham. By the time the train arrives, we’re ready to sit and rest our legs on the trip back to London.

The Arundel to Amberley walk has been a great one, and the English countryside hasn’t let me down. In fact, it’s given me good reasons to come back and explore more on a future trip.

I can’t wait to see Arundel Castle up close, and I would love to see Amberley someday. I might even walk between them again to do it.

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