From Mill Road (free parking by the roadside), walk away from town and follow the pavement on the right-hand side which leads to a footbridge across the Mill stream. Cross the bridge and turn right. This path follows the Mill stream until it reaches the River Arun.

To the left of this path is the Arundel Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. When you arrive at the banks of the River Arun turn left. There are fine views over the valley towards Burpham as you walk alongside the river towards the Black Rabbit pub.

When the riverside path ends, walk up the quiet road leading uphill behind the pub.

At the sign-posted T-junction, head left towards South Stoke. After approximately 50 yards a bridleway turns off to the right. Follow this bridleway as it leads down between hedgerows past a cottage and into the Arun Valley. This bridleway becomes steep so care may need to be taken.

Past the cottage the path levels out. Continue along it until you reach a gate.

Go through the gate and continue walking straight ahead across the field (there is no clear path here and the field can be boggy in winter).

As you get closer to the trees the bridleway crosses a drainage ditch. Once over the ditch continue along the bridleway towards the gate at the far end of the field keeping the trees on your left. There are more fine views across the Arun valley and on to the downs. Keep walking for approximately 400 yards until you reach another gate.

Go through the gate and follow the bridleway as it goes into South Stoke (it might be worth making a short detour here into South Stoke to visit the interesting flint church).

As you emerge from the bridleway, turn left. Almost straight away take the bridleway to the right. This leads behind a brick and flint built barn and takes you towards a farmyard. Once past the barn take the bridleway as it turns to the left and follow it passing cattle sheds on your right.

Approximately 200 yards beyond the farm buildings the bridleway narrows and leads downhill lined by small trees. Follow the right hand path down to the gate. The bridleway then leads to the right (sign-posted) and skirts the field going steeply uphill for approximately 200 yards until you reach the next set of gates.

Past the gate the bridleway winds through trees, until eventually it reaches the riverbank. Continue along this route for approximately half a mile.

Keep to the bridleway as it rises again with a flint wall to the left and the river Arun to the right.

When you reach the metal kissing gate pass through it into Arundel Park and follow the footpath to the left as it climbs steeply uphill for approximately 300 yards. When the path opens out follow it as it swings right and continues uphill. After approximately 50 yards the path forks to the left and continues to lead you uphill. The climb is hard work but the views are worth it.

At the top of the hill, cross the stile (after stopping to take in the magnificent views) and follow the footpath over the brow, passing a large copse on the left. The views open out further across the downs and out to the sea beyond. After approximately 100 yards the path forks, take the right hand fork downhill towards a small group of trees and a stile. Climb over the stile and follow the path across the field as it goes steadily downhill into the valley. After approximately 500 yards you come to another stile. Once over, follow the path steeply downhill.

At the bottom there is a crossroads. Take the path to the left leading through the valley. After approximately 200 yards you arrive at a kissing gate into Swanbourne Lake. A path leads right around the lake so you can go either left or right. Both routes take you back on to Mill Road where you turn right, walking over the bridge back towards Arundel and the start of your walk.

Distance/Time: A circular walk of five miles, taking two and a quarter hours.
By car: From the A27 drive into Arundel town centre and follow the signs for Arundel Castle, which is situated on Mill Road. Free parking is available by the roadside and there is a large car park opposite the castle. Postcode: BN18 9PA.
By public transport: From Arundel rail station walk into the town. Once in the town Mill Road is on the right just past a bridge over the River Arun. The number 700 Coastliner bus runs to Arundel. Alight at the River Bank bus stop and locate Mill Road by following directions to Arundel Castle.
What’s Underfoot: The first section of the walk is through the Arun Valley and can become boggy after wet weather. The majority of the walk is on footpaths and bridleways.
Thirsty work: The Black Rabbit pub in Arundel. There are many pubs, cafes and restaurants in Arundel town centre.
So you don’t get lost: OS Explorer map 121, plus a compass for general direction.