4.5
(257)
2,014
hikers
41
hikes
Hiking trails around Arundel are set within a picturesque landscape, offering access to the South Downs National Park. The region features rolling green chalk grasslands, ancient woodlands, and the meandering River Arun. These physical features provide diverse terrain for outdoor activities, with trails often incorporating historical sites and offering views across the Arun Valley.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
4.7
(107)
560
hikers
11.8km
03:12
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(45)
266
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.7
(22)
126
hikers
6.35km
01:41
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(9)
47
hikers
19.7km
05:15
220m
220m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(12)
91
hikers
10.1km
02:43
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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No toilet, but they will give you 20p to use the public loo (if you're a customer)
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The best view of Arundel castle is from the River footpath.
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Swanbourne Lake is part of Arundel park. It has a footpath to allow walk all around the lake and beyond.
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Doors open and definitely worth exploring - look for the frieze on the Northern wall of Mary, with her train held by angels. Was whitewashed over in the Reformation
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starting point of a small, nice walk
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Cycling is limited. Access from London Road (where cathedral is)
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More Information
From gothic castles to rolling hills - exploring Arundel
The historic town is a fantastic base to start a hike. Arundel walks often begin from under the shadow of its magnificent gothic castle, regarded as one of the great works of Victorian architecture. It is not long before your boots take you away from the market stalls and pubs of the town and onto the beautiful green hills that make up the surrounding landscape. Arundel Park is a great place to watch the wildlife in the nearby wetlands and Swanbourne Lake is well worth exploring on a summer’s evening.
Other hikes in the Arundel region follow the meandering River Arun, as it takes you south towards the sea or north towards the Downs, great for a mini-adventure. The region is perfect for a hike at any time and the Downs’ national park status means that you can access the trails all year round.
Wildflowers, burial grounds and legends
There is so much to enjoy in the forests and hills nearby. Hike your way through the hazel trees, whilst admiring the many species of grasses and wildflowers that make this such a vibrant, colourful place to roam, enjoyed by hikers and butterflies alike. With glorious views to the Arun Valley, the Weald and the South Downs, nearby hills combine superb scenery with Celtic legend and ancient history. Bronze Age burial mounds adorn summits ripe for exploration, whilst one legend speaks of a fearsome dragon that used to call this delectable region home.
Exploring the South Downs’ history
Some of the best hikes around Arundel are those that venture further into the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs. Artists and writers have long hailed the virtues and beauty of this quiet area of south east England. It is a glorious place for a ramble. Its seclusion made it the perfect place for Canadian troops training during the early 1940s, which means there are many war relics to discover strewn amongst this lush countryside – including the remains of a Churchill Mark II tank.Arundel offers a wide selection of hiking opportunities, with over 40 trails available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 23 easy, 17 moderate, and 1 difficult trail, ensuring there's something for everyone to explore.
Hiking around Arundel features diverse terrain, including rolling green chalk grasslands, secretive woodlands, and the meandering River Arun. Many trails are set within the picturesque South Downs National Park, offering wide views and varied landscapes.
Arundel is beautiful year-round, but autumn is particularly scenic when mists often fill the Arun Valley, creating a magical atmosphere. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the chalk grasslands and woodlands, while winter walks can be crisp and quiet.
Yes, Arundel offers several excellent circular routes. A popular choice is the Monarch's Way and River Arun Circular, which combines historical paths with riverside scenery. Another option is the Swanbourne Lake loop via Arundel Cathedral, offering scenic views and historical landmarks.
Absolutely. Arundel has 23 easy trails perfect for beginners or families. The Swanbourne Lake loop via Arundel Cathedral is an easy 2.9-mile path, and the Swanbourne Lake trail is a 3.9-mile route through varied terrain, both offering accessible and enjoyable experiences.
Many trails around Arundel are dog-friendly, especially those within Arundel Park and along the River Arun. It's always recommended to keep dogs under control, particularly in areas with livestock or wildlife, and to check specific trail regulations for any restrictions.
Hiking near Arundel allows you to discover several historical sites. You can often catch views of Arundel Castle, or explore the Gatehouse at Arundel Castle and Arundel Castle Lower Gate. The Arundel Town Centre itself is rich in history, and some routes pass by sites like Burton Mill Pond and Mill.
Yes, the region offers several excellent viewpoints, particularly within the South Downs National Park. Highlights like Graffham Down Nature Reserve, Chantry Hill, and Kithurst Hill Trig Point provide expansive views across the landscape, sometimes extending to the English Channel.
The River Arun offers pleasant walking routes. The Monarch's Way and River Arun Circular is an ideal trail to experience the river's scenery. You can also find routes that follow the river south towards the sea or north into the Downs, providing tranquil riverside strolls.
Arundel is well-connected by public transport, making it accessible for hikers. Arundel train station provides links to various starting points for trails, and local bus services can also help reach different parts of the South Downs National Park or specific trailheads.
Parking is available in and around Arundel, including public car parks in the town centre. For specific trailheads, it's advisable to check local signage or online resources for designated parking areas, especially when accessing routes within Arundel Park or the South Downs National Park.
The trails around Arundel are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 240 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the picturesque setting, the variety of landscapes from chalk grasslands to river valleys, and the historical points of interest along the routes.
Yes, for those seeking a more demanding hike, Arundel offers routes like the Arundel to Amberley loop. This difficult 12.2-mile trail within the South Downs National Park provides significant elevation changes and a longer duration, perfect for experienced hikers looking for a challenge.


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