Catholic Hiking Group October Hike - Pulborough to Arundel with Vigil Mass

Catholic Hiking Group: October Hike - Pulborough to Arundel, with Vigil Mass at Arundel Cathedral

Date: 31/10/2026

Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/explore/trail/england/west-sussex/pulborough-to-arundel

This month’s hike will be longer and tougher than last month! The main goal of this hike will be to reach Arundel Cathedral, from Pulborough Station, for Vigil Mass at 17:00, which is one of the best ways to spend All Hallows’ Eve. This means we’ll be pushing the pace and hiking on a more challenging trail to make sure we get there in time.

We caution everyone that this hike is NOT suitable for those who are not capable of sustained walking at a relatively fast pace. Due to the time constraints of this hike, the group will be unable to stop for people to buy food/drinks, pop to the shops, etc. or for more frequent rest breaks once the hike has started. Those who are unable to maintain the pace of the group will be directed back to Pulborough or the closest train station where they can take a train for their journey.

We will be starting from Pulborough Station, going through parts of the South Downs National Park, walking alongside the River Arun, enjoying picturesque views of the hills and fields, then making our way to Arundel Cathedral for Vigil Mass at 17:00. After Mass, some of us will stop by one of the local pubs in Arundel to celebrate the completion of the hike with food/drinks.

The aim is to start the hike from Pulborough Station. I will be taking a direct train from London Victoria to Pulborough station, departing at 08:05 and arriving at Pulborough Station at 09:23. Feel free to join me at London Victoria, or meet at Pulborough Station or at any other point in between.

This is NOT a circular route, so you will have to purchase a ticket from London Victoria to Pulborough Station, and then another ticket to come back to London Victoria from Arundel Station. I have purchased my return ticket from Arundel Station to depart at 20:14, to give plenty of time to enjoy socialising with everyone at the pub after Mass.

The hike itself should take roughly 6 hours, planning for a total of 7 hours including breaks and lunch. This means the hike will end at roughly 16:30. I’d suggest bringing plenty of water as always, an extra layer or two to wear if things get cold/wet, something substantial for lunch (we will not be stopping for people to buy food once the hike has started), and some snacks/sweets to keep you going during the hike.

To help us get through this hike, we’ll be asking our Blessed Mother to assist us during our break, so be sure to bring your rosary! (Looking for 5 brave volunteers to lead a decade each 👀)

Also to give people a heads up, the group’s committee members will be taking some photos and videos throughout the day, as I think it’s a great way to help us remember the hike and the interactions we have along the way. For those who don’t want to be photographed or videoed, please let us know and we’ll make sure we don’t take any direct photos or videos of you.

Any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us on Instagram @catholic_hiking_group.