WALKS IN SUSSEX : MIDHURST to PETWORTH (SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK) [4K]

This is another video in my series “Walks in Sussex” accompanied by my Whippet (Logan). In this episode, I walk along a route of about 7 miles from Midhurst (located 12 miles North of Chichester) to Petworth. It is the first part of the Sussex Diamond Way - a long distance trail across Sussex from Midhurst in the West to Heathfield in the East.
My walk starts at the Cowdray Ruins, close to the River Rother, and passes by the Cowdray Park Polo Grounds (where preparations are taking place for the British Open Championship for the Gold Cup). I then head North East through the Cowdray Park Golf Course to an open area where I get to check out the “Queen Elizabeth Oak” - a grand specimen that could by 1,000 years old.
My journey continues Eastwards to the pretty village of Lodsworth which is full of delightful houses. I visit the church, the pub & an ancient well before continuing on over Eel bridge towards the next destination - the hamlet of River.
The walk then heads uphill to Pitshill and one of the most important country houses in West Sussex. A meander through the Upperton Vineyards takes me to the village of Tillington which has a church with a magnificent “Scots Crown Spire”.
My final destination is Petworth House & Petworth Park - where Logan enjoys a cool dip in the lake.
It is a super walk with stunning views of the South Downs along the way. There are car parks in both Midhurst & Petworth.
Map courtesy of Google Maps.
For further videos in the series, please go to: / @daveford or my website at daveford5966.wixsite.com/website
My Facebook page is: / davescountrysidewalks
I use a GOPRO HERO 7 or 8 Black Action Camera (sometimes with a Gimbal) & a Rode microphone (either a “Shotgun” or a Rode Wireless Go) together with a Canon Powershot SX530 HS.

[@melissaphillips3088]

Just beautiful Dave. Walking with you and Logan is such a delight. Thanks again for showing us such lovely places with so much history .👏🏻🇺🇸

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Melissa. I think that was one of our longest walks in the series so far!

[@MrNas42]

That was lovely Dave and you were blessed with such good weather. Keep on walking!

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Nigel. I thought that you might like the bit at the ruins (I hope I got all my facts correct!). :)

[@doreenfawcett9717]

Awwwww love. T church very Oh I love the church. Wow. Again beautiful views..very interesting .something new round every corner really 😊 lovelyDavethankyou Dee👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Dee. There was so much to see on that walk!

[@bobbyspix]

Another great video Dave, thanks.

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Robert and indeed thank you for watching.

[@doreenfawcett9717]

Petworth House Wow 😮 Logan says I’m ready for the dip daddy very lovely enjoyed this one so much to see . And love your history story

[@DaveFord]

Yes, I think Logan enjoyed his dip in the lake!

[@cornwall_in_Squares]

Another brilliant and interesting video thank you for sharing

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Martin.

[@michaelburgess7242]

Another great video Dave. My favourite channel by a long way for planning much delayed trip to UK. Great mixture of scenery and history as usual. My wife is convinced you must have been an actor you speak so well.

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Michael. I hope that you have great weather for your trip. Thanks for watching.

[@doreenfawcett9717]

Very beautiful Dave 👍👍👍👍👍

[@DaveFord]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@geraldgreshamcooke8605]

Thank you SO much . A great Walk & a great description. It is exactly the Walk that I do every Sussex Day ( June 16th) but in reverse, starting at the Horse Guards in Tillington & finishing in the Cowdray Cafe in Midhurst. We catch the bus back. I had 32 walkers on my last Walk. There's always room for more. My walkers get refreshed by the beautiful scenery and interesting landscapes. I look forward to seeing more of your videos, Dave.

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Gerald. It was lovely meeting you outside Tillington Church - such a pretty village.

[@rachelt-s]

Beautiful walk. I've never visited West Sussex and it's lovely to see places that I've not seen before. Thank you for giving us a guided tour of the area. 😀👍

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Rachel. It was great having the South Downs in view for most of the walk.

[@doreenfawcett9717]

Wow some beautiful views . The White House is beautiful

[@DaveFord]

So much to see on that walk, for sure.

[@jillageinthevillage8481]

Fantastic!

[@DaveFord]

Thanks and indeed thank you for watching. :)

[@thesolitarycyclist9005]

Smashing walk Dave. Wasn't the 6th Duke also known as the Proud Duke? Apparently he used to insist that even his wife and children stood in his presence and address him as "Your Grace"! Best Wishes John.

[@DaveFord]

Thanks John. I didn't know that fact about the 6th Duke ! Cheers. Dave.

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Nice to see you again, Dave. Wow! Cowdray house is still beautiful, in spite of being a ruin. When you were a rugby player, what position did you play? Logsworth looks like a pretty place. In a church, I much prefer the natural light which filters through the windows. Vineyards. There are more and more every year, but they do look nice. The A272 you mentioned, I believe starts it’s journey in Midhurst and I live close to the other end of it is just down the road from me at Stockbridge, in Hampshire. Lovely video from both of you.

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Lionel. I used to play on the Wing. After leaving school I played for Chichester Colts (U19) .... we reached the Sussex Cup Final....& had a few games for the 1st XV before concentrating on Athletics. When my Athletics days were over, I went back to rugby, playing a few seasons for Midhurst. Seems a long time ago now!

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

@@DaveFord Wow! You were very active in your younger days. I don’t know too much about rugby, but I think playing on the wing, meant you had to be quick. Well done and thanks for telling me. The only sport took an interest in was cricket.

[@davidcrespin6987]

Just the right balance of information and very well presented, why haven't the BBC snapped up Dave Ford?

[@DaveFord]

Thank you David. I am not sure that the BBC could afford Logan's dog treats!

[@doreenfawcett9717]

Logan’s very interested with the well

[@DaveFord]

Yes - I was glad that there was a grille over it!

[@wiseowl6354]

Thank you so much Dave and of course Logan...Your films are greatly enjoyed. How is puppy getting on? ❤️

[@DaveFord]

Thank you. Puppy (Fiver) is coming on fine. Nearly 7 months old now. Has passed his Kennel Club Good Citizens Obedience Bronze Test & has even done a few dog shows (indeed he has already qualified for Crufts 2022!).

[@wiseowl6354]

How wonderful Dave...He is growing up so fast, time has gone so quickly. ❤️

[@sarahpretorius1141]

This looks lovely! I saw your pictures on Fb and then watched the video. I know you gave the linear length, but how far was the walk? It’s one I’d love to do. I’d never heard of the Diamond Way either. Is it well sign posted?

[@DaveFord]

It was about 7.5 miles - ish. It is very well signposted. Check out the Sussex Ramblers website (Diamond Way bit) - they provide a very detailed map & directions for each section. www.sussexborderpath.co.uk/sdw.htm

[@sarahpretorius1141]

@@DaveFord Thank you! I’ll do that.

[@doreenfawcett9717]

Wow some tree

[@DaveFord]

Not looking too bad for it's age!