There will be a Berkshire Walkers weekend away to Arundel, West Sussex, from 4th–8th May 2022.
Arundel is a beautiful place which could almost typify “historic market town”. The town lies on the edge of the South Downs National Park and astride the River Arun. The high street is dominated by the medieval castle, which has “played” Windsor Castle in several films.
The surrounding countryside provides a variety of walking environments – from the Arun Valley, to the South Downs Way, to the coast (only a few miles away). The three full days of walks planned will take in all of them.
If you wanted a day off from walking, alternatives would include exploring the many independent shops and cafes in Arundel, heading to the beaches at Littlehampton or Bognor Regis, or heading slightly further afield, visiting Brighton or the cathedral city of Chichester.
The area has accommodation options to suit every taste, from hotels to Airbnbs and hostels to campsites. A non-exhaustive list is below. The trip leader intends to stay in Arundel, however any accommodation option walkable from any of Arundel, Amberley, Ford or Littlehampton stations would be suitable.
Arundel can be reached from Reading by train via several routes, most involving a change at either Gatwick Airport or Clapham Junction. All walks for the trip will be public transport friendly.
Booking
Please let the organiser know that you intend to come on the trip using the form here.
Provisional programme for the weekend, subject to change
Wednesday 4th May
Travel
Walk: Meandering to Swanbourne Lake (early evening from Arundel station, 4 miles)
Social: Pub meal in Arundel
Thursday 5th May
Walk: Folly, Park and River (10 miles from Arundel, with dropout point after 5 miles)
Friday 6th May
Walk: Not THAT Goring (12 miles from Arundel to Goring-by-Sea, with dropout point after 9 miles)
Saturday 7th May
Walk: Deer and Downs (11 miles from Amberley)
Sunday 8th May
Social: visit to Arundel Castle or Amberley Museum
Travel
Non-exhaustive list of accommodation options
Arundel
(please note that Arundel town centre is around a 10 minute walk from the station)
Chain hotels: Premier Inn (8 minute walk to station, 18 minute walk to town centre), Comfort Inn (15 minute walk to station, 25 minute walk to town centre).
Other hotels: Norfolk Arms (town centre), Arundel Park Hotel (adjacent to station).
B&Bs: Arden Guest House (4 minute walk to town centre), St Mary’s Gate Inn (5 minute walk to town centre).
Amberley
(please note that Amberley village centre is around a 20 minute walk from the station. Houghton village is actually closer)
B&Bs: South Downs Hideaway (9 minute walk to Amberley station), Black Horse (22 minute walk to Amberley station).
Campsite: Foxleigh Barn (9 minute walk to Amberley station).
Bunkhouse: South Downs Bunkhouse (9 minute walk to Amberley station).