Conquer the longest inland trail in England — Monarch’s Way: Part 3

Classic coastal walking, epic views, and world-class fossil-hunting combine on this first stage.



Whilst the 14.1 miles (22.7 km) of distance is manageable, the first half of the hike follows the South West Coast Path as it drops dramatically into coves and rises onto the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast World… read more

Sublime views over the rolling Dorset countryside await on this challenging yet rewarding hike.



With 16.4 miles (26.4 km) of distance and 1,950 feet (594 m) of climbing, this is a tough stage but has plenty of interest.



From North Chideock, hike north and reach a high point at Pilsdon Pen, where you experience… read more

This stage takes you through lush rolling countryside to the historic town of Yeovil.



After some challenging recent stages, the gently-descending 11.8 miles (19 km) on this hike may come as a welcome break.



When you reach the village of East Coker, there is a decent pub and a pretty 12th-century church… read more

Serene countryside, an easily-missed Saxon landmark, and beautifully-weathered churches combine on this stage.



With 13.6 miles (21.8 km) of distance and 1,125 feet (343 m) of climbing, this is a demanding hike but should be manageable.



To start, you rise out of Yeovil and, right on the edge of town, find… read more

The hedgerow-lined pastures and small woodlands along this stage are scattered with history that stretches back to the Bronze Age.



The gently-undulating 15.3 miles (24.6 km) on this stage take you to the edge of the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.



For the most… read more

This stage takes you onto the chalk plateau of the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.



With only a few gentle climbs, the 14.4 miles (23.2 km) on this stage should not feel too taxing, enabling you to savour the understated, yet stunning countryside.



Hindon, at… read more

You explore South Wiltshire’s largest woodland on this stage, a place where Roman and Iron Age history combine in beautiful surroundings.



Gently rolling and predominantly downhill, the 12.9 miles (20.8 km) on this stage should feel easy.



Around an hour into the hike, you step into Grovely Wood, a large… read more

You hike into ancient history on this stage; exploring sites that were occupied by civilisations many thousands of years ago.



With 16.8 miles (27 km) of distance and 1,125 feet (343 m) of climbing, this is a challenging hike that rewards you richly.



To begin, this Tour diverts from the Monarch’s Way to… read more

This stage explores a diverse chalk downland and finishes in the historic city of Winchester.



Despite there being very little climbing, 17.5 miles (28.2 km) is a hefty distance. To shorten the route by 3.2 miles (5.1 km), simply finish at Twyford and skip the Winchester extension.



To start, cross the River… read more

Historic buildings and stunning countryside combine on this stage, which takes you into the South Downs National Park.



At 17.1 miles (27.5 km) and with 1,375 feet (419 m) of climbing, this is another tough hike. (For a suggestion on how to split the stage, see below).



Despite the time pressure due to the… read more

This stage takes you deeper into the South Downs and explores one of its most beautifully-situated Iron Age hill forts.



With 14.3 miles (23 km) of distance and a gently-undulating terrain, this walk should be a manageable challenge.



You leave Warnford and soon make a short but sharp ascent of Winchester… read more

Iron Age hill forts afford breathtaking views over the South Downs on this stage.



With 16.5 miles (26.6 km) of distance and 1,425 feet (434 m) of climbing, this is a challenging hike. (For a suggestion on how to split the stage, see below).



The first half of the hike is a gently-undulating amble over the… read more

This stage takes you along an important Roman road, affords breathtaking views from a dragon's lair, and visits a castle with more than 1,000 years’ of history.



With 14.3 miles (23 km) of distance and only a moderate amount of uphill and downhill, this hike should be manageable.



You begin through fields… read more

You explore the largest Iron Age hill fort in Sussex, climb a hill that is littered with historical artefacts, and visit the breathtaking remains of Bramber Castle on this stage.



With 15.4 miles (24.8 km) of distance and an equal 1,275 feet (389 m) of ascent and of descent, this is a testing hike but… read more

After six weeks on the run, Charles II finally managed to flee to France on a ship from Shoreham Harbour. As such, the bustling port also marks the end of the Monarch’s Way.



It is level walking out of Bramber to start. You then cross the River Adur, rise dramatically over Beeding Hill and Thundersbarrow… read more