Welcome to one of the best known stories and one of the best, most varied, walks in British History.

Boot Relay - Trevor's Boot Relay is nearing the end of Book 1. As a token of their respect for Trevor Antill, the Minders of the Monarch's Way Association are carrying Trevor's Boots for one last time along the full length of the Monarch's Way. Trevor Antill the creator of the Monarch's Way and founder of the Monarch's Way Association, died unexpectedly on Sunday, 29th August 2010. Trevor is a huge loss not only to his family but also to the walking fraternity.

As would have been his wish, the work on the Monarch's Way will continue through the team of Minders and Association members. The ultimate aim is to see the Monarch's Way designated as a National Trail. Caring for the route and promoting it will be a fit testimonial to Trevor.

This picture shows the Monarch's Way Team on tour with Trevor at the heart of things as he always was.

Please continue to make contact through the web site address.

The Story

The escape of Charles II after the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

For six exciting weeks, and hotly pursued by the Parliamentary forces under Oliver Cromwell, he travelled first north towards Wales, then south through the Cotswolds and the Mendips to the South Coast, and finally along the South Downs to Shoreham where he made his escape to France.

Loyally supported by his followers, many at great risk to their own lives, he was given shelter in places both great and humble, many of which still exist today.

'Walk a day, live a week'
(Old French proverb)

Good Walking !

The Monarch's Way logo below represents the Royal Oak tree at Boscobel (in which the King famously hid with Colonel Carless); the Prince of Wales crown; and the ship 'The Surprise' on which Charles eventually escaped to France.

The logo also forms the basis of the waymarks which sign the Way throughout its historic 615 mile length.

The Walk

This long distance walk (615 miles) using footpaths and bridleways closely follows the route taken by Charles and enables you to visit many historic sites and buildings, maybe only previously known to you through the history books. It also takes you through two World Heritage Sites, one National Park and six Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty plus some of the finest scenery in western and southern England.

The walk is waymarked and is shown on the latest editions of the Ordnance Survey's Landranger and Explorer maps. The route is described in detail in three books by Trevor Antill, published by Meridian Books. Each book is divided into sections so enabling you to pick out suitable day walks if you are not intending to follow the complete route - please visit our 'About Page' for more information.

'Walk a day, live a week' (Old French proverb) Good Walking !