The Monarch's Way is a 610 mile trail following the route taken by King Charles 11 (to be) after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
He was trying to find a ship to take him back to exile in France and his journey took him on an extraordinary route - finally bringing him along the South Downs into Sussex where he succeeded in escaping on a ship called 'The Surprise' from Shoreham-by-Sea across the channel to Fecamp.
The trail was created by Trevor Antill in 1995. It never actually follows the South Downs Way but it does 'flirt' with it in one or two places and Keith from Footprints is seen here walking with Trevor (right) during the 2006 annual walk.
The Monarch's Way has its own association for those who are interested in the trail and its history.
© 2010 Footprints of Sussex
