THIS route takes you between the downland village of Lodsworth and the market town of Midhurst. It passes through Cowdray Park and past the ruins of a Tudor manor house which played host both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I before being destroyed by fire in 1793.

Natalie Leal walks the final section of the Sussex Diamond Way.

1. Starting from the pub (The Hollist Arms) in the centre of the tiny village of Lodsworth, head up Gills lane signed for the village hall sports ground.

At the top of the lane ignore the road turning off to the right and keep walking straight ahead as the road merges with Heath End Lane.

As the road curves around to the left by Heath End Farm take the signed public bridleway and head into the woods.

When you arrive at a T junction go left and then after approximately 100 yards turn right following the public footpath into a field.

2. Take the path on the right-hand side and follow it all the way around the field.

At the edge of the copse turn right and go through a gate entering the next field.

There is a sign saying “beware of the bull” although at the time of writing the field was free of any livestock.

Follow the path diagonally across the field through an avenue of small trees planted in 2012 to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and then continue on passing two enormous oak trees.

You will soon see a gate to your left in the hedgerow - pass through this and walk up the hill.

3. At the golf course bear right and head straight across.

When the path forks go left and once across the golf course follow the signed path down to the road.

Cross over and walk along the grassy verge for approximately 100 yards until you see a gate leading into a field.

You can clearly see the Cowdray house ruins in the distance from here.

The manor house was built in Tudor times and Henry VIII reportedly visited many times.

At the end of the eighteenth century the impressive house was partially burnt down while undergoing renovation work and the burnt out remains have stood here ever since.

The surrounding fields are used for polo with the park hosting the British Open polo championships every summer.

4. Pass through the gate and turn right, then follow the path around the edge of the field.

Go through the next gate on the right and then through a series of five more gates taking you through what look like some small animal pens.

Keep walking through a fenced-in path until you arrive at a large gravel track.

Turn left here.

5. When you reach a gate where the path forks, bear right and follow the path down to the bottom with the fence to your left.

Cross the tarmac path and keep left, following the path which takes you directly past the ruins of Cowdray house.

At the old iron gates of the house turn right and cross a small stone bridge over the river Rother.

Follow the broad path all the way to the end where you will arrive in Midhurst.

The South Downs National Park Centre is directly opposite the bus station.

You can get the number one bus back towards Lodsworth from here or if you prefer, turn around and re-trace your steps back for a longer walk.

For more information on the Sussex Diamond Way visit www.sussexborderpath.co.uk/sdw