The heart of the Downs - Goring-by-Sea to Amberley

Submitted by Timwoods on 05 March 2008

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A linear, half-day low hills and fells (below 600m) walk in England starting at Goring-by-Sea station, West Sussex, about 13km (roughly 8 miles) long and . This walk offers the best of the Downs - valleys, woodland, a walk along the famous route and a classic Sussex village to finish in. The walk can be done in either direction, but starting from Goring means you finish in Amberley, which has a nice pub and tea shop etc in case you need to wait. You also save the walk along the Downs to last! Start: Goring-by-Sea station, OS Grid: TQ104032
End: Amberley station, OS Grid: TQ027118 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)

Gain (+/- 10%): 319m (1047ft)

Total (+/- 10%): 625m (2051ft)

Loss (+/- 10%): 306m (1004ft)

Max. Elevation: 140m (459ft)

Public Transport

OS Explorer Map:

121 - Arundel & Pulborough
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Waypoints

1. Goring-by-Sea station

OS Grid: TQ104032

Start of the walk. Follow the footpath heading West along the railway line and pick up the bridleway to Highdown Hill. Take the path through Highdown Copse towards the A27 (boo!)

2. Highdown Hill

About 3 km (roughly 2 miles) from 1 OS Grid: TQ085055

Follow the footpath under the A27and enjoy the fact that you have now left traffic behind for the day. The path crosses Highdown Hill, owned by the National Trust, and continues north.

3. Michelgrove Park

About 3 km (roughly 2 miles) from 2 OS Grid: TQ074083

Follow the path up through the woodland of Michelgrove Park. Head north along the bridleway that crosses the Monarch's Way towards Barpham Hill.

4. Barpham Hill

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 3 OS Grid: TQ066094

Head over Barpham Hill and pick up one of the paths or bridleways heading North towards the South Downs Way. There are several options, but aim for the Tumuli just East of Springhead Hill.

5. Highdown

About 5 km (roughly 3 miles) from 4 OS Grid: TQ033125

As you follow the South Downs Way heading West, you reach the gap in the hills, where Amberley lies next to the River Arun. The village of Amberley makes a great way to end the walk, as there are plenty of attractions, but note that the station is about 20 minutes walk from the village.

6. Amberley Station

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 5 OS Grid: TQ027118

Head to Amberley Station for the train home. There is also a pub here if you have worked up a thirst! For a longer day out, you can follow the footpath along the River Arun all the way to Arundel (see Car-Free Walk 'Arun Valley Amble')