The Midhurst Way is a 47 km long-distance walking route from Haslemere to Arundel, West Sussex. As the name suggests, it passes through Midhurst. But there is a movement afoot, championed by the indomitable Gerald Gresham Cooke of Petworth for a Haslemere to Arundel via Petworth walk which would open up a world of wonderful walking opportunities. Gerald is an experienced Petworth Town Walk leader. He’s lived in the area for over 15 years and is a wealth of knowledge about both Petworth and the surrounding area and a great supporter of all things local.
Petworth Way – the why and the where
It’s just over 40 km from Haslemere to Petworth by foot. It is a fabulous walk that will take you through some magnificent and diverse countryside. At 40 km, it’s a long walk to do in a day (but not impossible) but the historic town of Petworth is an ideal half way point to overnight if you want to break it down into two walks of roughly 20 km. If you’re travelling from London, you can catch the train to Haslemere and you are out into the countryside within about 1.5 km of getting off the train. There is a helpful information centre right next to the train station at Haslemere. On your return journey, just hop on the train at Arundel. The station is just outside the town centre.
Walk summary
The Petworth route is not yet an official route, so there are no signs at the moment and it hasn’t got an official name yet. But it is possible to walk from Haslemere to Arundel via footpaths and bridleways. As a result, and ably guided by Rural Strides, I’ve joined a small group who are testing out the route which we are affectionately calling Gerald’s Way or the Petworth Rail Trail.
Haslemere to Petworth
From Haslemere you head towards Chase Wood and the Temple of the Winds on Blackdown. Blackdown is the highest point in both Sussex and the South Downs National Park and is worth a visit in its own right. You’ll enjoy fabulous views, the famous Belted Galloway cattle which graze here and maybe a bit of poetry (by Tennyson). It’s roughly 5 km to the Temple of the Winds making it the perfect spot for your first break.
From the Temple of the Winds you start the descent to Lurgashall. More fabulous views mark your walk as you pass close to vineyards and the historic manner at Weyborne. This part of the walk was one of my favourite stretches of walk of the year and includes a couple of sculptures too. On the final stretch into Lurgashall, you walk through an ancient orchard with a variety of different apples. It was beautiful in autumn when the fruit was ripe but undoubtedly it must be gorgeous in spring if you catch the blossom. Lurgashall is a very pretty place for lunch with a pub and an excellent village store.
Lurgashall to Petworth Park Deer Park
From Lurgashall, the walk has a different feel as you head to Pheasant Copse and then on to Petworth Park Deer Park. There is so much to see in the Deer Park and it’s another place worth a visit in its own right. Designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown expect herds of deer, ancient trees, and various temple and structures like the Rotunda and the Doric Temple. Eventually, leave the park via Cowyard Tunnel just north of the main house. It will bring you out into the town.
Petworth to Arundel
The walk onwards is south to south east, and will take you over the South Downs. The first half of the walk is via winding footpaths and wooded trails. You pass three Medieval churches and you’re conscious of the South Downs slowly getting closer. From Burton Park to Barlavington and then Bignor, this feels like an ancient landscape.
At Bignor, you start your ascent up the Downs and slowly the trees give way to sweeping views and the rolling hills that you still have to conquer ahead. Arundel remains just out of reach. You know it’s not far but you never seem to reach it.
Finally, you skirt round the edge of Houghton Forest and cross the A29 for the last major ascent of the day. It’s woodland now most of the way to Arundel, and finally when you’re almost upon the town, you get your first glimpse of the cathedral.
You have options
This walk makes a fabulous excursion from London or elsewhere but also opens up some other interesting walking options:
Option 1. You could walk the entire route in one day or as a two day itinerary. But why not spend a day exploring Petworth before you head on. There is plenty to see and do.
Option 2. Make this a longer walk of four days by walking home from Arundel via the Midhurst Way, overnighting in Arundel and Midhurst or even allowing a day in each town. Petworth, Arundel and Midhurst are all historic towns. In Petworth you can visit Petworth House, in Arundel you have the cathedral and the castle and in Midhurst you have the Cowdray Ruins. Each town also has a delightful collection of independent shops, cafés and restaurants.
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