Walk 8 : Billingshurst to Amberley

Main walk: 22.4km (14.5 miles): shorter options to be researched

6 out of 10

This walk is an illustration of the maxim that a pleasure deferred is a pleasure intensified. It starts in very gentle countryside, from where there are occasional glimpses of the South Downs as a thin line in the distance. Gradually throughout the day, you get closer and closer to them, and finally there is an exhilerating finish along their crest, with panoramic views of the Arun valley. But way before you get to them, just before lunch, there is a surprise area of High Weald-like territory of steep hills and hidden valleys. Early in the walk, there are some particularly fine bluebell and wood anemone woods, making this a good excursion for late April or early May. The length of the afternoon section 13.7km (8.5 miles) means this walk is not suitable for October to March.

Billingshurst, Pulborough and Amberley are all on the Horsham-Littlehampton line, served by trains out of Victora. Note that Billingshurst has a short platform, and you need to be in the front four coaches when coming from London.

Catch the nearest train to 9.10am from Victoria

Rising Sun, Nutbourne, details to be provided, 9.7 km (6 miles) into the walk, is the recommended lunchtime pub. It was closed when I passed it mid afternoon on Good Friday, but has a menu up outside (basic menu) and shows every sign of being in active use. In the event of problems, the map indicates a pub very close nearby on the A283 in the village of Marehill, approx 1km west of Nutbourne: this pub may be included on the walk route if the Pulborough Brooks route checks out

Houghton Bridge Tea Garden (01798 831 558) by Amberley station provides a charming riverside location for tea if you can get there before it shuts (5pm Monday to Saturday, 5.30pm Sunday). Otherwise, the friendly and atmospheric Bridge Inn (01798 831 619) across the road serves tea and coffee until at least 10.30pm