Avington and Ovington Walk

The Avington and Ovington Walk in South Downs National Park boasts a surplus of benefits: it’s not too busy, the river and countryside scenery make for a picturesque walk, and at the halfway point, you’ll reach Bush Inn, where you can enjoy refreshments before turning around and heading back the way you came. Some may be discouraged by the “out-and-back” nature of this route, but the scenery is so picturesque it deserves to be viewed twice! It’s recommended to take this walk on during the summer months when it’s dry. And do note that you will negotiate some roads, so take care of vehicles when walking these sections.

Setting out from Avington Country Car Park, you’ll head right to go back along Avington Park Lane, saving Avington Lake when you get back to the car park (or you can go before—up to you) before turning left onto Avington Road. En route, you’ll pass the Avington War Memorial. Pause for a moment here! Stay on Avington Road until you reach Lavington Lane, where you’ll take a right at the first road you see almost immediately. Follow this road, which stretches along the edge of Avington Park Golf Course, before turning left to walk along the bottom of the golf course boundary. Walk through the fields until you meet back up with Lavington Lane. Continue along this lane, noticing Yavington Farm on your right. Just after this, you’ll take a footpath to your left to cut through the lovely countryside.

The path eventually merges with another—continue left to go through a section of trees. Revel in the greenery as you head straight and take a right at the next junction. You’ll know you went the wrong way if you reach the B3047. Follow the path until you meet up with Water Lane, and take a right, followed by a left around 328ft later. Enjoy meandering through trees and then turn right just under 0.6mi later to reach the Bush Inn. Stop here for some refreshments before turning around and heading back the way you came.

When you get back to the car park, you also have the option to visit Avington Lake, which is around 984ft away. The distance in this route guide includes the quick out-and-back visit to Avington Lake, so if you choose to head here, you will walk 6.0mi in total!