Footpath News

As one might expect, after a period of some 12 years and over a distance of 615 miles, a few changes to the route will inevitably occur.   As a service to Monarch's Wayfarers the Association has produced a set of inserts that are conveniently sized to fit within the books.   If you would like to receive a full set then please email us at:   monsway@blueyonder.co.uk   with your postal address when a set will be posted to you.  

Readers of Book II, Section 38, page 106, (Ham Hill to Crewkerne) will know that up to now walkers have had to follow the edge of the busy A356 for about a third of a mile from a point almost opposite Chiselborough House to Byme Bridge over the River Parrett.    Happily this has all recently changed for Somerset County Council have now created two rights of way (one a footpath, one a bridleway) which follow a line adjacent to the road, but off it and within the neighbouring fields,whilst connecting to the existing footpaths which formerly took you onto, and then off, the A356.   The new paths have been signed and waymarked.   Wonderful news indeed.   Amendment inserts have been produced and are available in the usual way.

In 1998, South Somerset District Council and Somerset County Council spent considerable sums of money (together with European Grants) to create a safer way (by way of a culvert) to negotiate the busy A30 for both the Parrett Trail and, by good fortune, for The Monarch's Way as well - Section 38: Book II.

Very recently we have learned that this very short section of culvert near Haselbury Mill was in fact a permissive route and that the occupier, for reasons of which we are unaware and even more surprised, has withdrawn permission.   This means then that walkers are now again faced with having to cross the busy A30 road instead of passing under it.

Whilst both SSDC and SCC are attempting to resolve this problem, as a matter of some urgency, walkers should be guided accordingly and, perhaps realistically, expect any solution to take some time to reach.

'One step forward and one step back!'

  Book II - Section 31 - (Abbots Leigh to Winford) - Page 60 & 61

The short section of footpath that passes between the houses at the end of Paulman Gardens is temporarily closed for a period of up to 12 weeks.   There is a temporary diversion in place which is now described:

'At the end of the rough surfaced road where it meets the main road on the edge of the village of Long Ashton DO NOT cross to go down Birdwell Lane, instead turn right (westerly) and on reaching Warren Lane cross the main road and go, by the childrens nursery, down Wild Country Lane.   Crossing the railway bridge immediately turn left up steps onto a fenced footpath alongside the railway and at the next junction of footpaths turn right where the diversion now ends.   Now follow the directions from line 8 page 61' 

Latest.   The development that has caused the above temporary diversion appears to be progressing at a halting pace.   As a consequence you may find the original route still available.

The Monarch's Way Accomodation Guide

Visitors are advised that maintenance of the MW Accomodation Guide now rests again with the Association.   This is in three parts to coincide with each of the three books on The Monarch's Way.  To obtain your copy(s) please state which part you require and send postage stamps to the value of £1 (to cover printing, postage & stationery) for each guide required to: The Monarch's Way Association, 15 Alison Road, Lapal, Halesowen B62 0AT.

The following are just a selection of comments made about The Monarch's Way.

'I led some members of the Society of Sussex Downsmen over the last 110 miles from Figsbury Ring to Shoreham Harbour. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all those who took part - an average of 25 on each day'. (Peter Wales - Sussex)


'I was held up by a broken ankle (sustained on the Ox Drove Way) from an early completion of Book 3 but reached Shoreham on 27 Dec. I had started from Charmouth on 18 March and did the book in 15 stages. Thank you for a most memorable walk which I greatly enjoyed and I have some lovely photographs to remind me of the pleasure of it all - in addition to the photos on the website'.   (Sue Hazell, LDWA).



'We are walking the 'Monarchs' with three different groups, trying to catch up with the Worcester Group. We have so enjoyed it'. (Jeff and Monica - Worcestershire)

'I must end with thanks for all that you have done to make this long distance path through such lovely country'. (John Loch - Wiltshire)

'I would be very pleased to adopt Section 10 - Norton to Boscobel'. (Roger Pendrill -Shropshire - a direct descendent of Richard Penderel)

'...and can confirm that your description of the delights of the route is fully justified'. (John Wills - the second person to walk the whole of the Way!)

'I would like to say thank you for providing some happy miles of walking on The Monarch's Way.' (Dorothy and Colin Lawrence - Staffordshire)

'We enjoyed the walk very much and found it well marked.' (Norman Biddiscombe - Hampshire)

'One of our favourite sections was from Wednesbury to Halesowen which we walked in early December. This involved walking through the 1.75 miles long Netherton tunnel. It certainly was an experience we won't forget.' (Robert Goodyer, Patrol Leader, 1st Crudwell Scout Group)(Wiltshire)

'It was fun working on the Monarch's Way.' (Judith Gradwell. Head of Public Rights of Way for the late, lamented, Avon County Council)

'We thoroughly enjoyed walking Book I. Some of us are hoping to continue to the next book and eventually complete the whole walk.' (Peter Ibison - Staffordshire - Group Leader, Chase & District Ramblers.)

'We are really enjoying doing The Monarch's Way walk, it's very informative and well explained.' (Irene and Brian Hazelwood - Worcestershire)

'I know from the number of enquiries I receive that the Monarch's Way is popular.' (Marilyn Meeks, Rights of Way Officer, Hampshire County Council)

'We did that section as our Christmas Walk and 162 people turned out! We still don't know why so many came....the attractions of The Monarchs Way or too much turkey?' (Footprints of Sussex)

'We have enjoyed walking through the Mendips and across the Somerset Levels. Although the waymarking is generally very good on this section of the walk your guidebook has proved invaluable.' (Mike Goodyer - Wiltshire)

'Again, an enormous thank you for the hard work in setting out and describing the route so imaginatively and meticulously. It was a beautiful route along the Downs - and so much easier on the feet than the South Downs Way!!' (Colin Brooks - Sussex)

'What can we say - 'Thank you' is not enough! We have walked 610 miles through what must be the best countryside in England. From your directions we have been confident enough to set out each day knowing we would reach our destination and find some transport back to base. The local weekend walks turned into overnight stays when we reached the South Cotswolds and then we took holiday accomodation in some beautiful villages as we moved further south and east. We ambled on each day taking in all the points of interest and of course resting our feet at the local inns. We can't wait to see Fecamp. Thank you for your support and for The Monarch's Way Association.' (Janet and Derek Marks & Cara the dog! - Worcestershire)

'I just gave my recovering heel a good test over the Golden Cap section of The Monarch's Way.   What wonderful views!'   (Irene Hazelwood - Worcestershire)

'We had a great time and frequently marvelled at the amazing achievement in creating this route and the many footpaths that have been saved/improved.'   (Lizzy and John Hornsey - Sussex - as far as we are aware, the first End to Enders to have completed the MW in 38 consecutive days).

'We have just spent a superb bank holiday weekend walking from Tresham down to Keynsham.   The sun shone (for most of the time!) and the countryside was at its glorious best - trees, wild flowers, birds, bluebell woods and wild garlic.   Once again the Monarch's Way did us proud.'   (Brenda Luck - Staffordshire).

'....the main reason for writing is to say a huge 'thank you' for the work and idea of the route.   We cannot begin to imagine the amount of work that must have been involved, but it was worth while.   The route led us through some of the most spectacular scenery in England, and with so little contact with roads and villages or towns.   Absolutely fabulous.'   (Sarah & Mike Wallace  - Sussex).

'....I must start by expressing our appreciation of the excellent way marking on the parts of the Monarch's Way that we recently walked.....we had no problems with route finding and were very impressed with the small 'stick-on' waymarks.'  (Chris Edgeley - Isle of Wight)

'....We have been inspired to tackle Book I, very enjoyable, great work.'   (Paul, Wendy & Charlotte Kneller - West Midlands)

'.....That was all amazingly quick and helpful - thank you so much for all your efforts, far beyond the call of duty!'   (Tony Wilson - Cambridge)

'The Monarch's Way is Britain's second longest signed walking trail and passes through the District.   This high profile and well-networked path provides a strong backbone for a network of green corridors to link key open space sites with settlements'.   (Salisbury District Council - Open Space Study 2006 para. 11.7 page 122)

'.......We thoroughly enjoyed the walk and the historical associations added greatly to our enjoyment.   The waymarking was excellent and your book invaluable for route finding.'   (Ruth & Terry Griffiths - South Yorkshire)

 'It is a wonderful walk and deserves to be better known',   (John Harris) 

' ...A wonderful concept' (Tony Wilson)

'Thanks for the accomodation list. I would be grateful if you would convey our sincere thanks to the 'minders' of the section through the woods north of North Wooton. The way marking was outstanding and most welcome on a wet, grey Sunday last weekend. We walked from Wells to Castle Cary on Sunday and Castle Cary to Sandford Orcas on Monday. Monday was brilliant and the views from South Cadbury and Corton Ridge were outstanding,    (Tim Hipkiss)

     Stane Street, West Sussex