The Monarch's Way

Location: Avon, Devon, Dorset, Sussex, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Shropshire, Somerset, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire.

OS Maps: Explorer 116, 119, 120, 121, 122, 129, 130, 131, 132, 142, 143, 156, 168, 204, 205, 218, 219, 220, 242; Outdoor Leisure 45

One of the best known stories in British history is that of the escape of Charles ll after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. For six exciting weeks, and hotly pursued by the parliamentary forces under Oliver Cromwell, he travelled first north through what is now the Black Country, then south through the Cotswolds and the Mendips to the South Coast, and finally along the South Downs to Shoreham where he made his escape to France. Loyally supported by his followers, many at great risk to their own lives, he was given shelter in places both great and humble, many of which still exist today - including the famous Boscobel oak tree. Trevor Antill has now designed this long distance walk which closely follows the route taken by Charles and enables you to visit many places, maybe only previously known to you through the history books, and also takes you through some of the finest scenery in western and southern England.

From the start at the Commandery at Worcester, the route first heads north as far as Boscobel in Staffordshire. This part of the route passes through Droitwich, Chaddesley Corbett, Hagley, Stourton, Wombourne, Oaken and Boscobel. after visiting Kemberton and Norton the route heads south again passing through Moseley Hall, Bentley, Halesowen, Bromsgrove, Headless Cross, Alcester, Wootton Wawen and Stratford-on-Avon.

The route then continues south through the glorious Cotswold Hills, across the Mendips and through lovely countryside in Somerset, Devon and Dorset to reach the south coast at Charmouth. The main towns and villages along this section of the route are Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-wold, Northleach, Cirencester, Tetbury, Chipping Sodbury, Wick, Keynsham, Abbots Leigh, Winford, Compton Martin, Wells, Castle Cary, South Cadbury, Ham Hill, Crewkerne, Hawkchurch and Charmouth.

The route now heads north again to Trent just north of Yeovil, and then east across glorious downland and the south coast to Shoreham. The main towns and villages along this part of the route are Bridport, Broadwindsor, Winyard's Gap, East Coker, Trent, Charlton Horethorne, Wincanton, Mere, Hindon, Great Wishford, Middle Winterslow, Mottisfont, Hursley, Owlesbury, Warnford, Hambleton, West Dean, Houghton, Findon, Brighton and Shoreham.

The length of this route makes it unlikely that most walkers would consider completing it in its entirety, although if you did it would be a rewarding journey, and one which, like King Charles ll, you would never forget. However, the route is described in three seperate guide books, so you can buy just one guide and walk the part of the route which most interests you or which is most convenient. Of course, even a third of the route is a long way, but the guides break the journey into one day sections which could be walked over a period of time.

	Guide Books: [Click for further information or to purchase]
	The Monarch's Way - Book 1 byTrevor Antill. This long distance walk closely follows the route taken by Charles ll during his escape from the battle of Worcester and enables you to visit many places, maybe only previously known to you through the history books, and also takes you through some of the finest scenery in western and southern England. In this, the first of three books, the route follows what was probably the most hazardous part of the King's route, from the historic city of Worcester to Shakespeare's Stratford-on-Avon. The guide gives detailed route instructions together with sketch maps and facinating facts about the King's journey and the places he visited.
	The Monarch's Way - Book 2 by Trevor Antill. The Cotswolds, the Mendips and the sea from Stratford-upon-Avon to Charmouth (210 miles). In the second part of this long distance path following the extraordinary journey of Charles ll, the route passes through some of the most beautiful areas of southern England. The main towns and villages along this section of the route are Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-wold, Northleach, Cirencester, Tetbury, Chipping Sodbury, Wick, Keynsham, Abbots Leigh, Winford, Compton Martin, Wells, Castle Cary, South Cadbury, Ham Hill, Crewkerne, Hawkchurch and Charmouth. The route is clearly described throughout with accompanying sketch maps and commentary on the events of the King's journey and the places he stayed. A remarkable walk, with a remarkable theme to it.
	The Monarch's Way - Book 3 by Trevor Antill. The South Coast and the South Downs from Charmouth to Shoreham (225 miles). This guide describes the last part of the long distance path tracing the epic journey of Charles ll after the Battle of Worcester. After six exciting and exhausting weeks he finally found a ship at Shoreham from where he sailed to the Continent and safety. The main towns and villages along the route are Bridport, Broadwindsor, Winyard's Gap, East Coker, trent, Charlton Horethorne, Wincanton, Mere, Hindon, Great Wishford, Middle Winterslow, Mottisfont, Hursley, Owlesbury, Warnford, Hambleton, West Dean, Houghton, Findon, Brighton and Shoreham. The route is fully described in detail with accommpanying sketch maps and background information about the King's adventures and the places he visited.