Date: TBC
Start: Haslemere & Petworth
Start Time: Start walking by 9.30 both days
Distance: 25 miles over 2 days
Please note this particular walk will be a led walk, and take place no more than once a year. If you are interested in walking the Petworth Way you can find self-guided walk instructions HERE.
The Petworth Way is a scenic new walking trail linking Haslemere and Arundel, with historic Petworth at its heart. This linear route offers walkers a chance to explore the diverse landscapes, rich history, and quiet charm of the Western Weald’s eastern border.
The walk begins in the wooded hills above Haslemere. From there, it climbs to Blackdown, the highest point in Sussex and once a retreat for poet Alfred Lord Tennyson. The route then meanders through peaceful farmland and shady copses to Petworth, the natural midpoint and cultural hub of the journey.
On the second day, the route crosses the River Rother, passes Bignor Roman Villa, climbs over the South Downs, and follows the River Arun into Arundel, with its iconic castle and towering Hiorne Tower providing a dramatic finish
Local resident Gerald Gresham-Cooke first imagined the trail but Rural Strides brought it to life. You can follow the route on your own using detailed online maps and instructions here. However, this is a special opportunity to experience the trail as part of a guided walk, with logistics taken care of for you. And for those keen to sharpen their navigation skills, there’s the option to try leading a section using the route notes, all with the reassurance of support close by if needed.
Options
- You take care of your own logistics/accommodation etc but walk with the group
- You take advantage of Rural Strides’ logistics planning (if the latter, please see plan below)
PLEASE NOTE: There is one sign-up fee of £5 whether you choose to do one day or both. When you sign up through Eventbrite you will be asked if you are doing one day or both, and if only one, which day.
Logistics
Saturday – Haslemere to Petworth:
- Meeting Point: 8:30am at Sylvia Beaufoy Car Park, Petworth (free parking).
- Car Share: Half of the cars will remain parked in Petworth; the others will transport walkers to Midhurst (also free parking).
- Bus to Start: From Midhurst, we’ll take the No. 70 bus to Haslemere Station (arrives 09:26).
- Fare: £3 (or free with a bus pass).
- Walk: From Haslemere, we walk the first leg of the Petworth Way back to Petworth.
- Return to Cars: Lifts will be shared back to Midhurst so drivers can retrieve vehicles.
Sunday – Petworth to Arundel:
- Meeting Point: 8:30 am at Petersfield Station.
- Taxi to Petworth: A group taxi will take us to the starting point.
- Cost: £16 per person (to be paid in advance to confirm your place).
- Walk: We complete the second leg of the Petworth Way, finishing in Arundel.
- Return: Take the train from Arundel Station back to Petersfield to collect cars.
Reviews
Read what others have written about their walking experience with Rural Strides:
You are a brilliant champion for the ‘Western Weald’ Thank you for opening my eyes wider than they have been! Mr B, Hampshire
