An Arundel Castle loop

Arundel has rows of elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings, fine shops and a picturesque riverside setting, but topping the list of attractions is surely the town’s magnificent castle. As you drive along the A27 to the south of Arundel, its great battlements, together with the grandiose French Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral, can be seen dwarfing the town’s other buildings.

There has been a castle here since the 11th century, though most of the present fortification is Victorian. Arundel Castle is the principal ancestral home of the Dukes of Norfolk, formerly the Earls of Arundel. There are various family portraits inside the castle, some of them believed to date back to the Wars of the Roses. The Norfolks have lived at Arundel since the 16th century. According to the plaque at the bottom of the High Street: ‘Since William Rose and Harold fell, There have been Earls at Arundel’.

The castle was attacked by Parliamentary forces during the Civil War. However, it was extensively rebuilt and restored in the 18th and 19th centuries. Within its great walls lies a treasure trove of sumptuous riches, including a fascinating collection of fine furniture dating from the 16th century, tapestries, clocks and portraits by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Reynolds, Mytens and Lawrence, among others. Personal items belonging to Mary, Queen of Scots and an assortment of religious and heraldic items from the Duke of Norfolk’s collection can also be viewed.

The walk starts down by the Arun, and from here there are teasing glimpses of the castle, but it is not until you have virtually finished the walk that you reach its main entrance, saving the best till last. Following the riverbank through the tranquil Arun Valley, renowned for its bird life, the walk eventually reaches Arundel Park, a delight in any season. Swanbourne Lake, a great attraction for young children, lies by the entrance to the park, making it easily accessible for everyone. However, once the bustling lake scene fadesfrom view, the park assumes a totally different character. Rolling hills and tree-clad slopes crowd in from every direction and only occasional serious walkers are likely to be seen in these more remote surroundings. You may feel isolated, briefly cut off the from the rest of the world at this point, but the interlude is soon over when you find yourself back in Arundel. Pass the huge edifice of the cathedral, built in 1870, and make your way down to the castle entrance. Walk down the High Street, said to be the steepest in England, and by the bridge at the bottom you can see the remains of the Blackfriars monastery, dissolved in 1546 by Henry VIII.

From the car park on Mill Road, turn right and walk along the tree-lined pavement. Pass the bowling green, and a glance to your left will reveal a dramatic view of historic Arundel Castle with its imposing battlements.

Follow the road to the elegant stone bridge, avoid the first path on the right and cross over via a footbridge, and turn right to join the riverside path, partly shaded by overhanging trees. Continue along this, emerging from the trees to reach the western bank of the Arun. Turn left here and walk beside the reed-fringed Arun to the Black Rabbit pub, which can be seen standing out against a curtain of trees.

From the Black Rabbit, turn left on the minor road back towards Arundel, passing the entrance to the WWT Arundel Wetland Centre. About 300yds (274m) beyond the Centre pass through a gate on the right leading into Arundel Park past Swanbourne Lodge, and follow the path alongside Swanbourne Lake. Eventually the lake fades from view as the walk reaches deeper into the park. Ignore a turning branching off to the left, just before a kissing gate, and follow the path as it curves gently to the right.

Turn sharply to the left at the next waymarked junction and begin a fairly steep ascent, with the footpath through the park seen curving away down to the left, back towards the lake. This stretch of the walk offers glorious views over elegant Arundel Park. The path becomes faint as it passes the corner of the wood. Carry straight on, climbing all the time, then aim for a stile and gate when they come into view. After the stile, bear immediately right up some steps. Cross the grass, following the waymarks and keeping to the left of Hiorne Tower. On reaching a driveway, turn left and walk down to Park Lodge. Keep to the right by the private drive and make for the road.

Turn left, pass Arundel Cathedral and bear left at the road junction by the entrance to Arundel Castle. Go down the hill, back into the centre of Arundel. You’ll find Mill Road at the bottom of the High Street.