This 12 mile linear walk from Arundel to Goring-by-Sea takes in woodland and small villages, fine views from Highdown Hill, and finishes on the beach!
This walk is part of the Around Arundel trip. If you are not already signed up for the trip, but wish to attend this walk, booking is required via the form here.
Pace: medium. Ascent: 230m.
Walk details
Heading east from Arundel, we briefly follow the River Arun, before heading through the small, unusually named village of Warningcamp. Then we’ll pass through Wepham Wood – part of the Angmering Park Estate, before turning south into the small village of Patching. Around this point in the walk, we should get our first glimpse of the distant sea, if the weather is clear.
The busy A27 road will briefly intrude on the walk, but we’ll then steadily climb to the summit of Highdown Hill. The site of an Iron Age hill fort, this delivers fine views on a clear day, eastwards to Brighton and the Seven Sisters beyond, and westwards as far as the Isle of Wight – and behind us, back to Arundel Castle. Shortly after we descend from the hill, we will make a quick lap of Highdown Gardens, before a stop at the pub and tea room just outside.
From there, it’s not far until we pass Goring-by-Sea station for the first time. It is possible to drop out here and return to Arundel. Alternatively, it is also possible to skip the walk to this point and join only for the trip to the beach and the Sea Lane Cafe. The walk so far should have taken around four and a half hours, but this is not guaranteed.
We’ll now walk through Goring to the beach. The area through which we will make the final approach – a stretch of coastline protected from development – is known by locals as the “Goring Gap” in reference to the more famous geological feature in Berkshire. On reaching the sea, we will walk along the beach for a few hundred yards before stopping at the popular Sea Lane Cafe. Goring Beach is a shingle beach suitable for bathing around high water – which will occur at 15.28 on the day of the walk, if anyone would like to bring swimming kit! Once we have finished at the cafe and/or swimming, we will walk back through the centre of Goring to the station.
Travel details
By public transport
Meet at Arundel station at 10.15am, after the arrival of the 10.07 train from Ford for those staying at the campsite.
If travelling from Ford, buy a single to Arundel, and then later buy a single from Goring-by-Sea to Ford.
By car
Parking is available at the station, or at the Fitzalan Pool car park in Arundel – charges apply at both. Alternatively, park considerately on the street.
At the end of the walk, get the train back from Goring-by-Sea to Arundel, changing at Ford.
Notes
- If you or someone else from your household has COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend.
- Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
- It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
- Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.