New Centurion Way Section Opens in South Downs National Park
A new stretch of the Centurion Way trail is now open, offering improved access to the National Park for walkers and cyclists.
By Natalie Osborne
••2 min read
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A new section of the Centurion Way walking and cycling trail has officially opened to the public, providing enhanced access to the South Downs National Park.
The latest part of the route traverses Wellhanger Copse and establishes a link to the Drovers bus stop on the A286 via a permissive path. Further development is underway, with a small section north, including a new bridge, expected to be completed in the coming weeks, extending the route towards Littlewood.
This expansion allows walkers, runners, and cyclists to travel from Chichester into the heart of the National Park, showcasing significant views and heritage. Last year saw the unveiling of a section incorporating the former Singleton Railway Station after extensive refurbishment of the heritage site.
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"We’re currently progressing plans to complete the final sections of the Centurion Way. Having opened the southern section of the new route, we’re now focussing on progressing the northern section from Littlewood Farm to Cocking Hill. Alongside completing the northern section, we will upgrade the West Dean link from a permissive track to a surfaced, all-season path, so cyclists no longer need to use the road through West Dean."
Construction for the remaining sections is planned to commence in 2027, with the entire Centurion Way route anticipated to reach the South Downs Way National Trail at Cocking Hill by early 2028. This timeline is contingent upon securing necessary planning consents and landowner approvals.
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"Our aim is to have an inclusive, off-road route from Chichester to the South Downs Way, giving everyone much better access to the National Park and its landscapes, biodiversity and heritage. This is a complex infrastructure project and we’d like to thank people for their patience and cooperation as we deliver this important improvement to the local access network."
The National Park Authority is working to create an inclusive, off-road route connecting Chichester to the South Downs Way, aiming to improve public access to the park's landscapes, biodiversity, and heritage.
