Midhurst and the River Rother Walk
West Sussex
This dog friendly West Sussex walk leaves the cobbled lanes of Midhurst's old town, drops onto the River Rother and follows the slow-moving water out through the National Trust's Woolbeding Countryside, where the path runs alongside ancient willows, a plantation of whispering poplars and the murmur of a small weir. The route loops back through riverside meadows past the ruins of Cowdray with views of the South Downs.
Dogs are welcome under close control throughout, with off-lead time possible on the wider Rother riverside sections when no livestock is in sight, and lead-up wherever sheep or cattle are grazing on the parkland fields. The path is mostly flat, well drained and a relaxed two hours, ideal for older dogs or a gentle morning. Parking is at Midhurst's main town car parks, and the Wheatsheaf and the Half Moon both welcome dogs for a stop at the end.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.5 km (4.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- River, Park, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Cafes, dog friendly pubs and shops in Midhurst (the Wheatsheaf and Half Moon are local favourites); no facilities along the river itself.
- Parking
- Town Centre North car park (GU29 9DZ) and the Post Office car park off Grange Road (GU29 9LT) in Midhurst, both pay and display.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What’s Nearby?
Walk5.3 mi awayWeald and Downland Museum and Forest Walk
West Sussex
A dog friendly West Sussex circular linking the Weald & Downland Living Museum's open-air historic village with the beech woodland of Charlton Forest on the South Downs.
Walk5.3 mi awayHarting Down
Surrey
A chalk downland walk with long views over Hampshire and Sussex, quiet and open with a proper sense of space on the escarpment.
Walk8.8 mi awayHindhead Common and the Devil's Punch Bowl
Surrey
A dramatic National Trust walk around the rim and floor of the Devil's Punch Bowl, one of the most striking natural amphitheatres in the south of England.
Walk8.8 mi awayKingley Vale National Nature Reserve Walk
West Sussex
A dog friendly West Sussex circular through one of Europe's finest yew forests, climbing through Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve to Bronze Age burial mounds with sweeping South Downs views.
Walk10.6 mi awaySouth Downs Way: Amberley to Houghton
West Sussex
A dog friendly South Downs Way short stretch from the chalk village of Amberley over the Arun crossing to the watercress beds at Houghton, returning along the river or by train.
Walk11 mi awayButser Hill
Surrey
A rewarding climb to the highest point on the South Downs within Queen Elizabeth Country Park, with managed trails and good facilities.
