A 5.5 mile (9km) route from Chichester to West Dean.
About
The Centurion Way is a 5.5 mile (9km) path that runs between Chichester, Lavant and West Dean following the old dismantled Chichester to Midhurst railway line, which closed in 1991.
It connects with the South Coast Cycle Route at Fishbourne, where cyclists can continue westwards to visit Fishbourne Roman Palace and Bosham. Northwards, the route continues to West Dean House and Gardens and the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton.
Route information
Start and finish points
- Chichester, close to Bishop Luffa school (start)
- Lavant (mid-point)
- West Dean (finish)
The path is accessible via these locations at various points along the route.
The 60 bus runs every 20 minutes between the start and finish. You can view timetables on the Traveline website. Bus stops are labelled clearly on the Centurion Way leaflet, which can be found on the Route guide tab.
Terrain
The route is mostly flat or slightly hilly. The southern section is tarmacked to the north of Lavant. Lavant to West Dean is compacted stone.
At West Dean, there are steps with a cycle ramp which is suitable for most wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Highlights
Landscapes, views, sculptures and archaeology, including:
The Centurion Way leaflet has more information about the various points of interest you can visit along the way.
Route guide
The name Centurion Way is based on the fact that the path crosses the course of a Roman road. Eye catching sculptures relating to aspects of local history have been provided along the route.
Download the Centurion Way leaflet, which contains a route map and historical facts on the disused railway and development of the route.
The leaflet has further information about the various points of interest you can visit along the way.