HIKE SUMMARY
As your train trundles through London suburbia, it is difficult to imagine that you are less than 90 minutes away from the heart of the South Downs. Hopefully, you will have picked up your coffee and maybe even packed a picnic. Whatever you have in your rucksack, you are in for a treat. River walking, hill cresting, sea views, castle views, historic buildings, café and pub stops … what more could you possibly want from a day out of the city?
It’s worth deciding your priorities before you step off the train. It’s a four hour hike but there are plenty of enticing distractions along the way. A coffee at the Riverside Café early on, a wander around Arundel Cathedral, the Castle, a delicious mid-morning brunch at the Motte & Bailey, a perusal of some of Arundel’s shops and galleries, lunch at The George at Burpham – these are all possibilities. Enjoy Johnny Barclay’s nature notes included later on in the guide, which will really bring this walk to life.
This is a hike that easily fits into one day and can be enjoyed at any time of year. There’s always the choice to stretch out your adventure with an overnight stay in Arundel. Enjoy stunning scenery and birdlife and a beautiful country town and castle, all easily accessible by train from London.
Curators: James & Laura Down
Danielle Martin –
The most perfect day trip out of London. The most beautiful walkways on a Summers day- looking forward to trying it again!! The pub that was recommended near the end was so lovely. A brilliantly curated walk with the stopping through Arundel Village and seeing the beautiful Castle. It was the best day!!!
JONATHAN QUINN –
Just did this one, my first Vespucci walk, today with a friend and it was fantastic. Very well thought out and one of the most scenically beautiful walks that I’ve done over the years. A bonus is that half way through the walk you pass through Arundel which is worth a visit in itself and just about the right timing on the walk to stop for a coffee. We had to make couple of short detours due to the path being flooded for short stretches. If we’d had better walking boots it wouldn’t have been a problem but in any case made the walk more interesting.
For the 2nd half of the walk (after leaving Arundel) we didn’t encounter a single other walker, surprising given how stunning the scenery was.
This was a Birthday present from my wife – it’s nicely presented and very recognisable (another walker commented “ooh a Vespucci walk!” pointing at my map as she passed us).
Will definitely be looking out for more of these walks in the future.