Centurion Way
Centurion Way is an 11km (6.8 miles) cycling and walking path starting in Chichester, and passing through Lavant and West Dean. It follows the old Chichester to Midhurst railway line, first opened to passengers in 1881 and fully closed by 1991. The name was chosen by a student from Bishop Luffa school in Chichester, based on the fact that the path crosses the course of a Roman road.
Centurion Way provides a safe and sustainable link for walkers, cyclists and anyone with restricted mobility, between Chichester and the heart of the South Downs National Park. Starting near Bishop Luffa School, the route currently finishes at Cucumber Farm in Singleton.
The SDNPA are responsible for the unbound gravel section of path only, from north of Lavant to Cucumber Farm.
Led by the South Downs National Park Authority working with a range of partners and landowners, the route has been extended from West Dean to Cucumber Farm, and further extensions are planned to link the trail up with the 100-mile long South Downs Way National Trail in Cocking.
This is a complex project that will take several years to complete, and it’s hoped the extension will be finished in 2027.
Please click on the tab for Centurion Way extension project for updates on the work.
View the updated (2026) Centurion Way route map here.
Getting to the Centurion Way
The Centurion Way connects with the South Coast Cycle Route at Fishbourne, where cyclists can continue westwards to visit Fishbourne Roman Palace and Bosham.
Northwards, the route continues to West Dean House and Gardens and the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton.
The 60 bus runs every 20 minutes between the start and finish. You can view timetables on the Traveline website.
The route is mostly flat or slightly hilly.
For more information and to plan your walk or cycle check out the Centurion Way leaflet.
Latest project update
The initial sections (1 to 4) of the extension were completed and opened in August 2025, including substantial restoration work at Singleton Station.
Work on sections 5 and 6 of the route has now begun, with completion expected by September this year.
This extension will connect the route to Littlewood via a new woodland path.
During the early stages of construction, access will be restricted at certain times on the Centurion Way route north of Singleton Station. This is for public safety due to construction vehicles and ongoing work being carried out.
These restrictions are planned for weekdays only, so finished parts of the route will remain open during evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
For public safety, two Public Rights of Way that link with this section of the Centurion Way will also be closed throughout the construction period. See the map here for further details and more information is available in our FAQs.
Future phases will continue the route from Littlewood Farm through Chitty’s Copse to Cocking Hill during 2026/27/28, completing the connection to the South Downs Way.
The completed Centurion Way will provide a safe, inclusive and sustainable route for residents, visitors and local communities, giving everyone much better access to the National Park and its landscapes, biodiversity and heritage.
We’d like to thank people for their patience and cooperation as we deliver this important improvement to the local access network.