A 6 mile linear walk from Barnham rail station to Arundel rail station in West Sussex, forming the second stretch of the Sussex Hospices Trail. The route heads north across flower farms and arable fields to reach Walberton, home of The Sussex Snowdrop Trust, before continuing through woodland and arable fields to reach Arundel where you will have chance to explore the cathedral and castle. You will enjoy a charming village, enchanting woodlands and a lovely stretch of the River Arun along the way. The return leg can be completed with a single 10 minute train journey.
Difficulty
The walking route from Barnham to Arundel has just gentle slopes for the most part, plus one steeper climb within Arundel. The paths across farmland and through woodland can be very muddy at times so stout boots are recommended (or wellingtons with grips in the wet winter months). There are a few road crossings that need care and one stretch of the route also crosses a golf course so please show respect for the golfers by allowing them to play their shots before you cross and look out for any stray flying golf balls. You will need to negotiate some steps and several kissing gates (some of which are tight so be prepared to breathe in!) but there are no stiles on route. Toilets are available at the rail stations at each end and if you are looking for refreshments there are several shops and pubs in Barnham, Walberton and Arundel. Allow 3 hours.
A 10 mile linear walk from Chichester rail station to Barnham rail station in West Sussex, forming the first stretch of the Sussex Hospices Trail. The route passes by St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Chichester before following the line of a long lost canal which once transported goods from London to Portsmouth, avoiding encounters with enemy ships in the English Channel. You will enjoy a stretch of the restored Chichester Ship Canal, several charming villages plus the rural path of the old canal as it crosses arable fields and fruit farms with plenty of wildlife to enjoy along the way. The return leg can be completed with a single 7 minute train journey.
Difficulty
The walking route from Chichester to Barnham is almost entirely flat. The paths across farmland can be very muddy at times and can also be quite overgrown in part, so shorts are not recommended (unless you’re immune to nettles!). There are a couple of sections of walking along quiet lanes (so take care of traffic for these stretches) and you will need to cross the railway at an unsignalled footpath crossing so take extreme care and listen carefully for trains before you cross. You will need to negotiate some steps, several kissing gates plus 4 stiles (most of these have large gaps alongside, but two have tighter fence surrounds that medium-large dogs should be able to pass through – our standard poodle just squeezed through). Allow 5 hours.
