DOGGY DAYS OUT |
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If your dog is aggressive or afraid of animals it should be kept on a lead until well clear of the herd. We've had one young bullock savaged by a dog recently who thought an inquisitive sniff was a threat. Midhurst is the interface between town and country. Our herd of young bullocks enjoy the bustle of the bus station, the ever-present human throng along the Castle Causeway and the dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages which sniff, cock their legs and swim about in the River Rother. They are all friends. It's quite an amazing experience. So bring your camera The Castle Causeway is half a mile of rolled sandstone chippings which have mellowed to a soft yellow colour since they were laid two years ago. The Causeway is a treat to wander down - older people find it easy - and a well defined river-bank path - picture right - leads to the base of St Ann's Hill, the site of the original Midhurst Castle, now just a vestigial presence with majestic, old chestnut trees.
For those that have the time and inclination there are numerous other dog walks - see link to the Queen Elizabeth Oak Walk below. One popular extension of the Circular Walk is to go to Easebourne over the Cowdray Estate road. Just pass through the iron gates at the River Rother Bridge and turn left along the Cowdray Castle access road, bear right on the unsurfaced estate road after 200 yards. In summer you may see cricket in whites being played to the right. In winter, rugby almost beneath the Castle Walls. (The picture below shows the River Rother Bridge and Round House in the distance). After about 0.75 mile along the estate road you'll see the Cowdray Farm Shop & Café on the left - our nicknames are Food Emporium and Fortnums on Rother. Yes! Rather more than your usual farm shop! A wonderful stop-over for lunch, tea or coffee; and a severe temptation to pop next door for some treats to take home!
Please refer to Doggy Days Out for a service to dog owners in Sussex; and to Dog Friendly Britain. Dogsey for Dog Lovers. K9 Capers Midhurst. Dogfriendly.
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The meadow is the home to a resident herd of young bullocks. They are completely harmless and used to people and dogs. They use the river for paddling and drinking, and don't mind sharing it with well-mannered dogs.
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The young and energetic have a stepped incline to traverse to get to the top of St Ann's hill; but older dog walkers and those with prams have an easier trundle along the river bank to the Wharf. There is a gentle walk up through trees - see picture left - to St Ann's Hill meadow or an unattractive walk through a low level industrial area of Midhurst to the beauty of South Pond. Take your pick. 
The circular walk takes from 20 minutes to 35 minutes depending on dog sniffs, river paddling, chatting to other strollers, taking pictures and just relaxing in a totally wonderful riverine environment. Recommendation: switch off your mobiles and chill out! Have tea, coffee or lunch at the Old Town Hall Café with its cobbles and outside tables - they close daily at 4.0 pm ! Dogs are welcome. Plenty of space, but you may have to say hello to ducks from the pond! Dog owners are especially welcome at Comestibles in Church Hill nearby. Dogs, however, have to be tied up outside the deli or to woodwork at the off-licence opposite. (A Foyle's War filmset in 2009) 
