The Petworth Way is a brand-new, two day, 25 mile, ‘Rail to Trail’ walking route, which connects Haslemere to Arundel with an overnight stop in Petworth. It offers a sustainable way to explore the eastern fringe of the Western Weald. In contrast to the chalk Downs, this distinct region within the South Downs National Park (SDNP) is celebrated for its vibrant lowland heaths, patchwork fields, and heavily wooded sandstone ridges.
If you have ever walked the South or North Downs, you’ll have admired the sweeping views over the Weald below. This route now invites you to immerse yourself in its beauty firsthand. Author Bill Bryson, who championed the inclusion of the Western Weald in the SDNP during his tenure as President of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, described this landscape as “a gorgeous piece of England set in the heart of one of the most overcrowded parts of the planet… this is a jewel.”
We couldn’t agree more!
The Petworth Way was Gerald Gresham-Cooke’s idea, Gerald being a walk leading authority on Petworth. Envisioning it as the perfect way to explore this peaceful corner of the South Downs sustainably while promoting his beloved hometown, Gerald laid the foundation for the walk. Though still happily walking in his 80s, he entrusted the task of route planning and wayfinding to four friends of the trail—Malinka (Rural Strides), Lucy (Sussex Exclusive), Laura (formerly Friends of the South Downs), Lesley (Langham Brewery)…. and Rambo the Patterdale. It has been our pleasure to find what we believe to be the best path and to bring Gerald’s vision to life.
As regular walkers of the Western Weald, we know and love this landscape—but we particularly enjoyed mapping this route. We believe it strikes the perfect balance of natural beauty, charming villages, and centuries of history.
With so much “green and pleasant land” to take in, the view from the Temple of the Winds on a clear day truly mesmerizes. Yet from this lofty perch on day one, the sea of green below invites adventure. Blackdown Ridge and Weybourne vineyards, with their manicured surroundings, along with the orchards and village of Lurgashall, gently introduce you to the Weald. It is only after lunch that you start to feel the remote and timeless quality of this area, and perhaps the wet clay under your feet too.
Geology shaped the Weald’s character, with its clay and sandstone defining both its charm and form. As you approach Petworth, a sandstone ridge rises ahead, marking the final challenge. After a steep climb, the pretty hamlet of Upperton and the vast expanse of Petworth Park and House welcome you to the end of your 12-mile day.
Traversing the Downs
Day two begins with a sweeping view toward the South Downs, setting the tone for the journey ahead. All day, the ridge is your companion, either in views or beneath your feet as you gradually ascend and traverse its undulating contours.
On the way, you’ll cross the former Midhurst to Pulborough railway, admire the striking architectural contrasts of Burton Park, and enjoy the sound of lively streams flowing away from the Downs’ scarp slope. Once up high, the Arun Valley unfolds in a breathtaking panorama. As finales go, day two easily holds its own against Petworth Park. The last mile or two deliver the broad beauty of Arundel Park, the tranquil charm of Swanbourne Lake, and the grandeur of the Hiorne Tower and Arundel Castle—even before you reach Arundel’s historic town centre. What a way to wrap up this unforgettable adventure!
Below, you’ll find a day-by-day breakdown of the Petworth Way. Happy walking!