Halfway to Horsham
Arundel is rather special, isn't it? Never been before, you cannot not notice the castle from the railway and the South Downs Way.
Today is our first actual visit. A family reunion with the Boy, but no histrionics. We only saw him two days ago. We are based on South Hayling and he is at his partners in Horsham. Arundel marks the halfway spot between us.
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| Family Reunion. Borrowed Dogs. |
Arundel is a historic market town in West Sussex, set on a steep rise above the River Arun at the edge of the South Downs. Its strategic location made it an important defensive site from early times, with the imposing Arundel Castle—founded by Roger de Montgomery in the 11th century after the Norman Conquest—dominating the skyline. The town’s position by the Arun made it a centre for trade and navigation, while its medieval streets, inns, and later Georgian and Victorian buildings reflect its long development as both a stronghold and a place of commerce.
A choice of walks, that start on the same riverside paths along the Arun. 45 minutes into the walk, we have a choice of the short (more time for exploring pubs and bakeries) or long.
We chose the short - finding Swanbourne Lake and associated picnic areas, the Monarchs Way and a suitable picnic spot in Arundel Park. We cannot afford the £35 a head beef roast dinners at the originally considered Black Rabbit pub. Humus and carrot batons on a log will suffice until cake.
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| Today's Terrain - Wonderful walking |
Into town for an Adventure Lab Cache to show the historical sites. The Cathedral Church is positioned in a way that I could take up organised religion.
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| What a magnificent spot for a pub |
Its St Nicholas, opposite that is explored internally.
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| Dani says we could be in Tuscany |
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| Inside St Nicholas |
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| Two angels holding the train of Mary the Virgin - whitewashed in the Reformation |
This could become a never-ending photo blog, as the town is so pretty. We tour the medieval streets, facing the tricky choice of which of the half a dozen bakeries should supplement lunch.
Liquid refreshment is much easier. Not only is the King's Arms the only Good Beer Guide tick in town, it is also the oldest. Slightly out of the tourist town, this allows for a good honest boozer, with keen (for the area) pricing and a choice of four cask ales. Narrowed down to HSB or Jail Ale, my desire was at odds with what I blurted out. What am I doing drinking Devon beer in Sussex?
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| End of a perfect day |
We say our goodbyes - for us, it is an afternoon throwing a tennis ball for an overactive Fox Red Labrador that must have ADHD. For them, its three games of Premier League football - as it's International Break next week.
25% less people are likely to be on the next reunion.
Walk Details
Distance - 5 Miles
Geocaches - One Adventure Lab Cache
Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine from OS Maps Web Site
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