- Leader: Sandy Arpino
- Date: 6th May 2026
- Distance: 10.8 miles
Petersfield Ramblers enjoyed a relaxing third walk on the New Lipchis Way
After a week’s break, thirteen seasoned Ramblers resumed their journey on the New Lipchis Way. The weather forecast was okay and – aside from an initial climb – the 10.8 mile trek ahead promised a gentle descent, followed by a guaranteed flat route along an old railway track and a canal.
The Ramblers gathered in the public car park of Chichester Marina, before heading back to the Trundle car park for an 09:50 start – cheered by the unexpected sunshine and blue skies. Circling the chalky ramparts of the ancient hill fort on top of the Trundle (St Roche’s Hill), there were extensive views in all directions – north-east to Goodwood racecourse, south to the sea and rolling green Downland at every point of the compass. Closer to hand, we spotted a solitary Early Purple Orchid.
Our one climb done, we headed downhill to a large signpost – similar to the one we’d seen above Singleton on our previous walk. There were again dates carved in the post but no amount of internet searching would reveal their relevance.
Continuing down Haye’s Down – providing lovely views west – we met the Centurion Way and headed south towards Chichester. The path was lined with white froths of cow parley flowers and sweet scented hawthorn blossom. Further along we crossed the clear River Lavant and encountered vast swathes of comfrey (excellent for making organic liquid fertiliser).
At Lavant, where the Centurion Way runs through a housing estate, we paused for a coffee break. Passing the old Lavant Station – tastefully converted into apartments but sadly currently covered with scaffolding – we walked under one of a number of interesting, original railway bridges. This particular bridge is notable for the metal cutouts hanging down, designed by children at the local school. The bat and tick are especially entertaining!
A series of sculptures adorn the Centurion Way – some made from used gas cylinders. At one of these the walk leader and her ‘recce helpers’ posed for a group photo – a memento of the New Lipchis Way planning.
At last, after following the Centurion Way for 4 miles, we arrived at the newly-erected archway at its beginning and, of course, couldn’t resist the photo-op.
Starting to feel hungry for lunch, we made our way eastwards along the pavements of Westgate towards the centre of Chichester, turning south at a large roundabout to follow Avenue de Chartres to the old city walls. Running parallel to these took us to the end of East Street, past a pizza vending machine, then over the level-crossing by the station to the basin of water at the northern end of Chichester Ship Canal. Time for a well deserved lunch.
Suitably reinvigorated we embarked on the final 3 miles of our walk beside the canal. Full of interest in any season, a recce in early January had found much of the canal frozen over, while a recce at the end of March revealed a swan’s nest. What would May show us?
A butterfly sculpture. A paddle-boarder. A canoeist. Yellow flag irises. A Turner painting!
Indeed in 1828 Turner painted Chichester Canal which is now in the Tate Collection. It is thought that its brilliant colours may have been influenced by atmospheric ash from the eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia. Certainly the same view photographed today is a good deal greener and bluer.
There were water-lilies just coming into flower and delightful canal scenes with gentle reflections.
But the stars of the show were most definitely the cute baby birds on the water. We cooed over three set of ducklings and a trio of coot chicks with their mother.
And lingered longest to watch the fluffy cygnets climbing over their patient parent. Such a pleasure to see the progress on the nest that we’d observed when recceing in March.
On reaching our cars in the Chichester Marina car park we started to change footwear and drop off rucksacks in preparation for a stroll down the marina to its scrumptious café, until one of our party discovered the car parking fees: £7 for up to 6 hours, £15 if we exceeded 6 hours. With one car within 4 minutes of this expensive deadline we dashed to depart as quickly as possible! We re-grouped at Durleigh Marsh tearooms for the very welcome, relaxing coffee and cake. It had been a lovely day comprising a relatively easy walk, some delightful sights and oodles of cordial conversation.
Author: Sandy Arpino
Photography: Sandy Arpino