Cowdray Park To Midhurst Old Town

Park in the free car park opposite The Cowdray Farm Shop & Cafe - The Cowdray Model Farm is here but on the other side of the estate track - and walk along a metalled track towards Cowdray Castle with the polo fields on the left rolling away to the south towards the South Downs. The views are immense and panoramic. You can let you dog off its lead and let it roam the fenced grassland on either side of the track. There is a huge area for your dog to run in.

After half a mile the track slopes gently down hill to a five bar gate with the castle now half left in front of you and the access road coming in from the A272 on your right. Continue walking along the track until it joins the access road, walk down the access road straight ahead until you reach the Rother Bridge opposite the castle. Go through the swing, iron gates over the bridge and turn left along the river bank. The path here is informal and winds its way 200 yards to a another gate where the river swings sharply right. Pass through the gate and continue along the river bank, swinging sharply left after 100 yards with the wooded St Ann's Hill now on your right. Don't attempt to climb the hill unless your fit and agile but progress to the wharf light industrial park.

Turn sharply right before the park and the new warehouses and go genlly uphill along a wooded path to the grassy summit, pass through the gate into the Old Town. Cross the Market Square and walk up Church Hill - the Foyle's War film set in 2006 and 2007 - into Knockhundred Row. This swings left to join North Street. turn right into North Street and walk 200 yards to the bus station and the adjoining car park.

Just before the bus station turn right, cross the top of the car park and make for a swing gate opening on to the Cowdray Castle Causeway, a broad sandy track with grassy edges raised above the water meadows. Walk down the Causeway 400 yards to the River Rother Bridge, cross the bridge, and walk back the way you came to the free Cowdray car park. In the months May to October there is often a herd of young bullocks in the water meadow. They are harmless but quite curious. They enjoy mixing with people and sharing the river with friendly, well mannered dogs. Please keep your dog on a lead on the Causeway if it is afraid of animals. Allow circa 40-50 mins for a gentle stroll. Midhurst is dog friendly.