Chichester Cathedral Pilgrimage in a Day

Four short routes to Chichester Cathedral

Chichester 950 Way - 1 day, 9 miles (10 if you include North Mundham)

Created especially for the 950th anniversary of the founding of Chichester Cathedral, when St Wilfrid moved the Bishop's Seat from Selsey to the old Roman city. Begin at St Wilfrid's Church, Selsey, believed to be the site of Wilfrid's first cathedral. It is all that remains of a much larger church, once protected by the earthworks outside. Dwell on the shingle spit for views of your destination, perhaps pick up a pebble to carry as your token of intention. Then enjoy all the wildlife along the meandering path round Pagham Harbour, and the delightful Sidlesham Quay.

The impressive church of St Mary's Sidlesham offers gentle peace. Near here you'll meet up with the old Roman road, following ancient footsteps and possibly those of Wilfrid himself. Consider taking the time to divert to North Mundham. You'll need to return back along the same path but St Stephen's is a well-loved church and well worth it. Passing through the historic manor of Hunston, you'll encounter St Leodegar's church before meeting the canal with its busy wildlife and gentle flow. Entering the city via the Roman road, why not slip into the cloisters to take off your boots. Tired feet meet cool stone to enter the Cathedral in barefoot, the traditional pilgrim way, for the shrine of St Richard and the culmination of St Wilfrid's work, 950 years ago.

Accessibility: Minimal elevation, easy terrain but a few unavoidable steps and narrow paths. Grass, track, gravel, and some short sections on quiet country lane.

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For much more detail on these two routes see our Old Way Online Guide

‍Stoughton to Chichester Cathedral – 1 day, 8 miles

‍The route begins at Stoughton, a downland village with a thousand year old church, then to The Devil’s Humps – ancient burial mounds, mini hills on the hilltop that hold our ancestors’ most illustrious heroes. Then the evergreen heart of the South Downs, Kingley Vale, a twisting forest of legendary thousands of years-old Yew Trees, including ‘The Ancient Watchers’. Then the old Saxon chapel at West Stoke, and the journey culminates in the majesty of Chichester Cathedral.

Accessibility: Mainly easy to moderate but one big steep hill up and down. Grass, gravel, track, narrow woodland paths which are muddy when wet. Some on-road walking on quiet country lane. Steps in Brandy Hole Copse can be avoided if you follow the lower path.

‍Chidham to Chichester Cathedral – 8 miles via Bosham

The meandering path from Chidham to Chichester is a journey of contrasts. From wild, open shores to the busy city, from deep history to stunning contemporary stained glass, and stories of loss and celebration. The route curls around a series of tidal inlets interrupting fertile farmland, exploring wind-sculpted trees before opening to ever-changing mudflats. The tranquil parish churches of Chidham, Bosham and Apuldram set the tone for the magnificence of Chichester Cathedral.

Surrounded by the impressive Roman city walls, the piercing spire lures you for most of this journey, before you finally enter and meet the intimate Arundel tomb and St Richard’s colourful shrine.

Accessibility: mainly easy terrain and flat, but paths will be muddy in winter. Uneven, gravel, some unavoidable small steps at field boundaries. Ramped bridge access over railway line.

‍A ‘Jerusalem’ Pilgrimage – Haslemere to Chichester – 2 days, 26 miles, or Easebourne to Chichester, 1 day, 15 miles

From Haslemere and the highest hill in Sussex, we walk to Chichester, where William Blake – the poet behind Jerusalem – was thankfully not hanged in 1804. Via Temple of the Winds – highest hill in Sussex, and place where Tennyson (early William Blake adopter) was inspired. The Deep Dark Green Woods of Ancient Sussex. Oak and Ash and Thorn. The famous Henley pub. Sleep in Easebourne. The Green Chapel of Cowdray Castle Ruins. Heyshott Pilgrim Church.

The South Downs – up we go…

Charlton – where the first English WI was founded (the WI was given ownership of the song Jerusalem in 1928).

The Trundle – Ancient holy hill where William Blake was inspired.

Lavant – the house where William Blake celebrated his liberty, and dined twice weekly with the Lady of Lavant while composing Jerusalem.

Chichester Guildhall – where Blake was acquitted of treason and sedition – which would have seen him hanged!

Chichester Market Cross. Chichester Bishops Palace and Cathedral.