| The Monarch's Way |
- The Monarch's way is Britain's second longest signed walking trail. A total of 610 miles (982 km), this historic
route uses footpaths and bridleways to follow Charles II's escape route after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
For six exciting weeks, and hotly persued by the Parliamentary forces under Oliver Cromwell, the king travelled first north,
then south, through the Cotswolds and the Mendips to the South Coast, and finally along the South Downs to Shoreham Harbour
where he made the escape to France. Following the death of Oliver Cromwell, Charles was eventually restored to the throne.
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| Start / Finish |
- The Midlands, Worcester (Grid reference SO851543) / The South Coast, Shoreham Harbour (Grid reference
TQ238046). The walk enters West Sussex near to Rowlands Castle.
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| For use by |
- The whole route
is designed for walkers and uses footpaths and bridleways.
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| Nearest Towns |
- There are many
interesting towns and historic villages along the route. Of particular interest in West Sussex are Arundel, Steyning, Bramber,
West Dean, Houghton, Findon and Shoreham.
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| Terrain
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- There are some moderately steep slopes.
The path runs mostly on country paths and may be muddy in places.
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| Average time to complete |
- The route is described in three separate guide books. The guides break the journey into one day sections which
could be walked over a period of time. Completion certificates are available to those who can show evidence of completing
the walk. For more information email: monsway@blueyonder.co.uk
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| Highlights |
- The route closely follows the route taken by Charles II and enables walkers to visit many sites
of historic interest and see where the loyal supporters of Charles II gave him shelter, in places both great and humble, on
his escape (many in West Sussex still exist today). The route passes through some of the finest scenery in Southern England.
- For
details of places to visit, go to www.westsussex.gov.uk/attractions.
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| Transport |
West Sussex is well served by public transport. |
| Maps |
- OS maps (for the West Sussex section of the Monarch's Way):
- OS 1:25,000 Explorer series 120, 121, 122
- OS
1:50,000 Landranger series 197, 198
- and don't forget to visit the iMap.
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| More information |
- Books: Available from booksellers some tourist offices or direct from the publishers
Meridian Books, Sales office, 8 Hartside Close, Lutley, Halesowen, West Midlands, B63 1HP. www.bestwalks.com/meridianbooks.htm
- Book
1: The Midlands: Worcester to Stratford upon Avon (via Boscobel) 175 miles (282 km). (second edition) ISBN 1-869922-52-2
- Book
2: The Cotswolds, The Mendips and the Sea: Stratford upon Avon to Charmouth 210 miles (338km). ISBN 1-869922-28-X
- Book
3: The South Coast, The Downs... And Escape: Charmouth to Shoreham. 225 miles (362 km). ISBN 1-869922-29-8
- Leaflets:
(Available at a charge from The Monarch's Way Association, 15 Alison Road, Halesowen, B62 0AT)
- Accommodation Guide.
This is in three parts to coincide with each of the three books on the Monarch's Way.
- Website:
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| Other useful information |
- The route connects with others in West Sussex. The Downs Link, The South Downs Way, The Sussex Border Path and
The West Sussex Literary Trail.
- The Way was devised by Trevor Antill in 1994. There are plans to extend it into France
to complete the entire route of Charles' journey.
- The Monarch's Way logo which appears on the waymarker signs represents
the Royal Oak Tree at Boscobel (in which the King famously hid), the Prince of Wales Crown and the ship 'The Surprise' on
which Charles escaped to France.
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01243 777100
