Bishop's Waltham and the Monarch's Way - Circular

Richard Clayton

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This is a good, challenging walk through beautiful chalk countryside along part of the Monarch's Way, climbing gradually onto the downs and walking back along part of the South Downs Way and the Wayfarer's Walk. It all takes place within the boundary of the South Downs National Park.

After the Battle of Worcester in 1651, the uncrowned King Charles II, hotly pursued by the Parliamentary forces under Oliver Cromwell, travelled first north, 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. This route is now perpetuated as the Monarch's Way.

You walk through Preshaw Park, an early 18th Century manor-house surrounded by parkland. The house has been enlarged and is now apartments. There are many attractive farmhouses and properties on the estate to admire as you pass by, although the house itself is largely hidden from casual view.

At the furthest point of the walk (Waymark 11), you can head west along the road to the popular Milbury Arms (GR 569245). Just east of here (Waymark 13), the return leg takes you very close to Lomer, an abandoned medieval village. Later you walk though Betty Mundy's Bottom and along Betty Mundy's Walk. This place name, of uncertain origins, has been adopted as the name of a Morris dance!

On 31st March 2010 the South Downs became Britain's newest National Park and the tenth to be designated in England. It is over 1,600km square and stretches 100 miles from the edge of Winchester to Beachy Head. The park is home to over 108,000 people and includes the towns of Petersfield, Midhurst and Lewes.

England - South England - Hampshire - South Downs

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Flowers, Food Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, Wildlife, Woodland

10/21/2012 - Jeff Hills

This is an excellent walk. I consider myself a competent map reader, but without the photos and detailed instructions, there were just a couple of places where I could have gone astray. Anyway, I didn't, and the walk was superb. There were just a couple of paths where there was a lot of mud due to recent heavy rain, but this in no way detracted from what turned out to be a stunning walk, and one which I will do again and again. Next time, I'll do a reverse route. A walk really does look very different that way. Anyway, my thanks for the author of the walk, it was great!

3/30/2012 - Mike Stevenson

We completed this walk on the 29th March 2012. Parked and started at waymark 11, (walking towards 12,13 etc). At waymark 3 we met the local farmer and told him we were going to the White Horse for lunch and he told us that it had closed on Christmas eve 2012 and is up for sale. He suggested we try the Brushmakers arms in Upham which we did, take the first path left 100 yards or so from waymark 3(going to 4, cross the road and follow the path through the next field. At Street Farm join the Monachs's Way agin and follow it directly to the Brushmakers. After a refreshing lunch, leave the pub and follow the Monarch's Way back to pick up the route at Waymark 4.

11/14/2011 - Kevin and Mary Wood

Completed this walk on 12.11.11. Parked (with permission)in the White Horse (new management). Instructions are good.

7/13/2010 - Anne Morrison

My husband, myself and our three dogs did this walk today. It is a stunning walk, easy to follow instructions. We only met two people all day. It is in no way difficult to do, although it was very hot with temperature at about 29 degrees. The White Horse Pub is great, we parked, after asking consent, and had a welcoming drink for us and dogs afterward. Recommended. Thanks Anne Morrison