Centurion Way traffic-free cycle route overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Centurion Way is a 6 mile, mostly traffic-free cycling route that starts in Chichester and runs to West Dean.
The South Downs National Park Authority started work to extend Centurion Way through Singleton station, and on towards the South Downs Way. The first stage of that work should be done by spring 2023.
Surface on Centurion Way
The surface starts off as smooth tar, and remains that way for the first 4.6 miles. After that, it noticeably deteriorates, and is no longer sealed. In places (see the photos below) the surface is a single track and it can get muddy after rain.
Bikes
Any kind of bike can be used along the first 4.6 miles. After that point, you’ll need a standard bike, ideally with chunky tyres and mudguards.
Toilets
There are toilets at Chichester station. After that, there are no toilets directly on the trail. You can take a ramp from the trail onto Meadow Close, then cross Lavant Road to The Earl Of March pub.
Ratings
Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hilliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Flat)
Refreshment stops: ⭐
Barriers: ⭐⭐
Surface: ⭐⭐⭐
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Points of Interest
Consider visiting the Weald & Downland Living Museum.
Routes in Sussex
- Centurion Way traffic-free cycle route
- Downs Link Traffic-free Cycle Route
- Cuckoo Trail Traffic-free Cycle Route
Barriers
There are barriers along this route, at Bishop Luffo Close, as well as near Newlands Lane, which will make it tricky for trikes and most cargo bikes to access the trail from there. At the far end, if you wanted to continue into the village of West Dean, there’s a set of around 20 steps, plus a nasty crossing of the busy A-road.
Forecast for the Centurion Way
What the Centurion Way looks like
Getting to the Centurion Way
The route as shown on the map below starts at Chichester station, so you can easily get to the start car-free, by taking your bike on the train. As ever, read my Bikes On Trains guide for useful and helpful tips for taking your bike on the train.
More Routes
To find more routes, click this link.
Interactive map for the Centurion Way
You can download the GPX file from the map below, simply by clicking the GPX button. Hovering over the elevation profile will show the elevation for that point along the route, in both metres and feet. It will also show the gradient.
And finally…
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