Winding through ancient woodlands, timeless pastures, gently rolling Downs, and alongside whispering streams, the Petworth Way offers more than just exercise—it’s a walk for the senses, designed to immerse visitors in a little-known corner of the South Downs National Park.
Inspired by Petworth resident Gerald Gresham Cook, the route has been brought to life by Malinka van der Gaauw, experienced walk leader and founder of Rural Strides. Together, they’ve crafted a journey that celebrates not only the landscape but the stories it holds. The walk begins in the wooded hills around Haslemere and climbs to Blackdown, the highest point in Sussex, where poet Alfred Lord Tennyson once found inspiration. The panoramic views here alone are worth the trip.
From there, the path follows a peaceful patchwork of farmland and forest until it arrives—fittingly—at Petworth, the historic and geographic heart of the route. Here, walkers can choose to overnight or linger a little longer, sampling the town’s excellent food, art galleries, antique shops, and, of course, the magnificent Petworth House and Park.
Day two leads eastward over the Downs, through historic parkland and down into the Arun Valley, with the dramatic silhouette of Arundel Castle guiding walkers to their journey’s end.
Though not officially waymarked, the route is easily navigable using Rural Strides’ detailed maps and guidance, making it suitable for both seasoned hikers and weekend wanderers. And with train stations at either end, the Petworth Way invites a car-free adventure—sustainable, accessible, and refreshingly slow-paced.
This is not just a walk. It’s an invitation to walk with purpose, to look more closely, to breathe more deeply—and to rediscover the quiet magic of the English countryside.
For full details, maps, and route guides, visit: www.ruralstrides.co.uk