South Downs Way: Amberley to Houghton
West Sussex
This dog friendly section of the South Downs Way leaves the postcard chalk village of Amberley, drops down to cross the wide flood plain of the River Arun on the South Downs Way bridges, and climbs up through farmland to Houghton with its watercress beds and the historic George and Dragon. The route can be a short out-and-back on the SDW or extended into a circular through Bury and the riverside path back to Amberley, with views all the way of Amberley Castle, the chalk pits and the rising backbone of the Downs.
Dogs are welcome along the South Downs Way and on the Arun riverside, but the open downland fields are grazed by sheep and the Arun water meadows often hold cattle, so leads are essential through any field with stock. The Arun bridges are narrow and can be busy with cyclists, so close control there too. Parking is at the small free car park at Amberley railway station and the larger pay and display by the A29 at Amberley village; trains link the two ends so a one-way walk is easy.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.0 km (5.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- River, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- George and Dragon pub at Houghton (dog friendly), Amberley village shop and tea rooms, station for an easy one-way return.
- Parking
- Free parking at Amberley railway station (BN18 9LR), pay and display in Amberley village by the A29, and small parking at Houghton crossroads on the B2139.
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