September 2019 sees the launch of the first ever Chichester Walking Weekend; a collaboration between Visit Chichester and The Ramblers Association South West Sussex Group.
Covering the magnificence of the South Downs National Park, the stunning stretches of coastline, the natural beauty of Chichester Harbour and, of course, the historic Roman City of Chichester itself, the weekend will showcase the wealth of attractions this wonderful part of Sussex has to offer as a premier walking destination; and what’s more, many of the guided events will be free of charge.
The weekend will offer walkers the chance to take in the stunning scenery that this unique part of the country has to offer, while being led by a knowledgeable guide. Trails will lead walkers over the picturesque Downs, while other routes will amble around the Manhood Peninsular, exploring the local history of Selsey and Sidlesham, against the backdrop of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. City routes will guide walkers through Chichester’s 2,000 year history, discovering lesser-known nooks and crannies and exploring the City’s celebrated landmarks too.
Further walks explore the areas around the quaint market towns of Midhurst and Petworth, and the village of Amberley, while The Weald & Downland Living Museum are also offering a mile guided walk of their unique museum. There’s also the chance to take part in an Artist-led ‘Walkshop’ where walkers will take part in creative exercises during a beautiful woodland walk, or why not learn more about the resident wildlife on the shore on a Marine Life Walk with Selsey’s Mulberry Divers.
There is something for everyone in this celebration of the area whilst embracing the health benefits of walking. Paul Bould of South West Sussex Ramblers says “The Ramblers do a lot more than organise walking groups. They have a passion for protecting footpaths and the countryside, and this is at the heart of all their campaigns. The collaboration with ‘Visit Chichester’ was a natural fit as their overall aim is to encourage visitors to experience this amazing part of the country, and I am delighted so many local groups are participating and offering walks in their specialist fields. We are even lucky enough to be able to offer a wheelchair ‘wheel, roll, stroll’. We truly believe there will be an event happening to suit everyone”.
Visit Chichester’s Destination Marketing Executive, Louise Adlam, comments: “we live in one of the most uniquely beautiful areas of the country where we have access to stunning stretches of coastline, picturesque coastal villages, a harbour brimming with wildlife , beautiful countryside to explore, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and a city centre rich in heritage and historical importance, as well as quaint market towns. We hope the Chichester Walking Weekend will give walkers a chance to experience some of this wonderful part of the world while encouraging people to get outdoors”.
