Monarch's Way
The Monarch's Way is a 990 km long-distance route following the approximate escape route taken by King Charles II after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651 — from Worcester to Shoreham in West Sussex via Bristol, Glastonbury and the South Downs.
This route has no official waymarking. Serious navigation experience is required — do not rely on GPS alone. Carry OS 1:25,000 maps and study the line before you go.
About Monarch's Way
After his defeat at Worcester in September 1651, the future King Charles II spent six weeks evading Parliamentarian forces while making his way south to escape to France. The Monarch's Way traces this 990 km journey from Worcester through the West Midlands, Worcestershire, Somerset, Dorset and the South Downs to the Sussex coast.
For trail runners it is a month-long expedition through the varied English countryside — hill country in the Malverns, the Somerset levels and Mendips, and the rolling South Downs. The route is waymarked but uses a mix of paths, lanes and bridleways.
The route
Worcester to Bristol (~130 km): Through the Malvern Hills and Severn valley.
Bristol to Bridport (~200 km): Via Glastonbury, the Mendips and Dorset.
Bridport to Shoreham (~200 km): Across the Dorset Downs and along the South Downs to the coast.
Getting there & logistics
Start: Worcester. Train from Birmingham and London Paddington.
Finish: Shoreham-by-Sea. Train from Brighton.
Best time: May to September.
Safety
Low-hazard route throughout — gentle English countryside. The Mendips and Malverns add moderate upland terrain. In an emergency: call 999 or 112.
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Completions
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