Monarch's Way
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 6 exciting
weeks, and hotly pursued 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.
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.
For use by
The whole route is designed for walkers and uses footpaths and
bridleways.
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.
Terrain
There are some moderately steep slopes. The path runs mostly on
country paths and may be muddy in places.
Average time to complete
The route is described in 3 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
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 Visit
Sussex.
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
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.
- 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 (338 km). 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 3 parts to coincide with
each of the 3 books on the Monarch's Way.
Website
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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