Woolbeding, River Rother and Midhurst walk
Woolbeding Estate is a hidden countryside gem, situated in the South Downs National Park near historic Midhurst. The walk starts in the heart of Midhurst and takes in the beauty of Woolbeding Parkland. Follow the River Rother, edged with ancient trees. Pass a plantation of whispering poplars and hear the sounds of the weir before returning to Midhurst's main street with its choice of cafe's and pubs.
Near to
Woolbeding CountrysideStart point
Wheatsheaf inn, Wood Lane, Midhurst GU29 9BX, or Half Moon inn, Petersfield Lane, Midhurst, GU29 9LLTrail information
Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
Wheatsheaf inn, Wood Lane, Midhurst GU29 9BX, or Half Moon inn, Petersfield Lane, Midhurst, GU29 9LL
Stage 1
From the Wheatsheaf head along Midhurst High Street a little way and turn left into June Lane. Follow the lane uphill for about 1 mile, past a bowls club and tennis club, until you reach the main road and the Half Moon inn. Take care as there is no pavement in June Lane. Unusual for this region is an exposure of rock which you can see on the right-hand side just before the peak of the rise, where tree roots grow over and between the strata.
Beside the Wheatsheaf | © Stephen Hoar Stage 2
As June Lane reaches the busy A272, you will have the Half Moon inn to your left. Looking right along this side of the A272 you will see a bus stop. Just before the bus stop, opposite the road crossing point you will see a narrow footpath (not National Trust) which weaves its way through a bracken and bramble thicket. The path bears right and leads you to a stile. Cross over the stile and head down the path, keeping the tall trees to your right. At the National Trust access gate you will see a signpost for the Rother walk – turn left here into the parkland. If the footpath is very overgrown, you may prefer to reach the National Trust parkland by crossing the A272 at the crossing point near the bus stop and turning right along the pavement until you reach the point opposite the junction signposted to Woolbeding and Redford. Cross back over the road and head into the small National Trust car park on the right. Go through the gate and take the path which veers to your right.
Track to Woolbeding Parkland | © Stephen Hoar Stage 3
You are now in the heart of Woolbeding Parkland with the meandering Rother down below to your left and views of the striking 10-sided glasshouse at Woolbeding Gardens. The Parkland fields are grazed by cattle. Turn right and follow the path into Whiphill Wood. Embrace the finest views of the Rother valley with the picturesque Woolbeding Church, and a lake ringed by rushes, shrubs and reeds. You may see geese or swans and possibly the quick flash of a kingfisher. The lake is nestled within old pasture punctuated by mighty oak trees.
Flower-filled pasture at Woolbediing | © Stephen Hoar Stage 4
Leave Whiphill Wood and the quirky folly in its shadows, and continue diagonally down across the field to its far left corner. Follow the Rother walk signposts. You will have a strip of streamside woodland on your left and interconnected arable fields on your right. About three-quarters of the way along the edge of the second field, turn left at the waymarker post that leads you into the woods and nearer the river. This opens into a lovely wetland full of reedmace, willow and rushes.
Folly in the shadows of Whiphill Wood | © Stephen Hoar Stage 5
Enjoy the views from the boardwalk as it crosses the insect-rich vegetated margin, then continue along the riverside. Watch out for dancing banded demoiselles in summer. These are a type of damselfly that live and breed along flowing water. The males have characteristic dark blue wings.
The boardwalk | © Stephen Hoar Stage 6
As you walk alongside the river you can enjoy the sight of the tall poplar trees. Silvery and bare in winter, in summer they are alive with crisp, olive and grey leaves, that move and rustle together in the slightest wind. There are also many alder trees, which thrive in wet ground.
Poplars flanking the river | © Stephen Hoar Stage 7
Leaving the rustling leaves of the poplars and alders, you follow a narrow riverside path, in cool shade and hearing ever more clearly the river. The music of the flow changes as it narrows, bends, and goes over at least one weir; then, as it nears Midhurst High Street, it loops beside gravel banks and discharges into an open, swirling pool.
Stage 8
Turn right at the main road. Having trod the riverside way, you can now enjoy the rich experience of Midhurst market town. You will see Cowdray Ruins opposite and pass the entrance to Midhurst Rother College with the plaque commemorating HG Wells who was a pupil here when it was Midhurst Grammar School. The buildings with buttercup yellow windows show that they belong to the Cowdray estate. Continuing along the High Street, there are plenty of cafés and small shops to savour and enjoy. Public toilets are near the bus stop and car park. Keep going until you return to the Wheatsheaf inn. Turn right into June Lane and continue up the hill if you are finishing at the Half Moon Pub.
End point
Wheatsheaf inn, Wood Lane, Midhurst GU29 9BX, or Half Moon inn, Petersfield Lane, Midhurst, GU29 9LL
Trail map
Map route for Woolbeding Countryside River Rother and Midhurst walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
Harting Down wildlife walk
A moderate walking trail around Harting Down, one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland in our care. Discover rare wildlife and enjoy panoramic views over the Weald to the North Downs.
Petworth ancient trees walk
Discover more about the ancient trees that dominate the skyline of Petworth on this circular walk in Sussex.
Black Down Temple of the Winds trail
Find one of the best views of the South Downs National Park at the Temple of the Winds. This little-known spot has a secret feel and a charming curved stone seat to rest on.
Get in touch
Woolbeding Common, Older Hill Lane, Redford, West Sussex, GU29 0QE
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Walking in Sussex
Explore coastal paths, open parkland and countryside teeming with wildlife on these top walks in Sussex.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.