Centurion Way

A rural ride through West Sussex starting from the outskirts of the beautiful cathedral city of Chichester and heading into the South Downs. The route takes you past two archaeological sites at Devil's Ditch and Brandy Hole Copse before ending at West Dean.

Before setting off, it’s well worth taking the short ride along National Route 2 into Fishbourne.

There you can marvel at the spectacular remains of the Roman palace. Or you can cycle into the centre of the lovely walled city of Chichester to see its Norman cathedral and ornate Tudor Market Cross.

The route follows the old Chichester to Midhurst railway line, quickly entering lovely woodlands at Brandy Hole Copse Local Nature Reserve.

The spot where a Roman road crosses the route is marked by a wonderful sculpture depicting an army of spade-wielding Roman workers called the Chichester Road Gang.

After passing through Lavant the route then rejoins the old railway line to West Dean where it currently finishes and gives access to the village of West Dean with its whitewashed pub, thatched cottages, village store and café.

Just past the end of the route you can visit the attractive arboretum and Victorian glasshouses of West Dean Gardens, or venture a little further east to the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum.

 

Route closure

Please be advised that Centurion Way, Chichester, will be subject to improvement works from 26 June 2023 to 14 July 2023.

The works will be situated around the northernmost connection with Bishop Luffa Close.

The improvements entail formalising a track with a new flexible paving construction to supplement the shared space, cycle route and tying this to the existing paving provision for the route.

While working hours are 07.30-17.30, our contractor is aware that this route is used by school children and has committed to carrying out the more intrusive elements of the work when school children will not be present, and to marshalling all pedestrian traffic through the duration of the works.

Please note that these works are weather dependent and may be cancelled at short notice, but we will endeavour to inform you should there be significant changes to the programme.

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Please note

We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.

However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.

Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.

Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.

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