Arundel Circular — Castle, River Arun & South Downs (21 km) - Sat 26 Sep 2026
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A riverside and downland circuit through the South Downs — water meadows along the River Arun, Saxon churches and a finish beneath the towers of Arundel Castle and its Gothic cathedral.
21 km (13 mi) Moderate · 4/10 Circular Full day · ~5 h walking Castle & cathedral
Members walk free — just pay the train and save £12 on this walk.
The route
One of the prettiest and most varied circuits in the South Downs National Park, and gentler than our ridge walks. From Arundel we follow the River Arun north through water meadows and quiet bridleways, passing the Saxon village of Burpham and the ancient churches of South and North Stoke. After the riverside stretch to Houghton Bridge we loop back through Arundel Park, past Swanbourne Lake and the Hiorne Tower, descending into Arundel with its castle and cathedral filling the skyline. Low hills, big skies and a storybook finish.
Route highlights
- Arundel Castle — an 11th-century Norman fortress towering over the town.
- The Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady and St Philip Howard, built in 1873.
- The River Arun — one of the fastest-flowing rivers in England — and its water meadows.
- Saxon and Norman churches at Burpham, South Stoke and North Stoke.
- Arundel Park, Swanbourne Lake and the Hiorne Tower.
- Classic riverside pubs — the Black Rabbit and the Bridge Inn — for an optional stop.
Meeting details
Journey time from London Victoria to Arundel is about 1 hour 25 minutes on the Arun Valley line.
