A once-bustling Victorian railway station has been renovated as part of an extended cycling and walking trail in the South Downs National Park.
During the 1800s people would alight at Singleton Station in all their finery for a day at the Goodwood Races. The charming station even hosted the likes of the Prince of Wales, who became Edward VII, on his trips to the West Dean Estate.
Yesterday (20 August), rather than trains and top hats, it was a fleet of cyclists and community leaders who tried out the new section of the Centurion Way, finishing at the former railway station for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex, Simon Knight, was joined by Vanessa Rowlands, Chair of the National Park Authority, project partners and stakeholders to declare the new section of the route officially open to the public. The trail is intended for all to enjoy, including families, dog-walkers, mobility scooter users and wheelchair-users.
Following three years of extensive work by the National Park Authority, the Centurion Way has now been extended northwards from West Dean, passing Singleton and ending near to Cucumber Farm. The improvements include almost 2km of new trail, two new entry and exit points and around 1.5km of newly-widened pathway alongside the A286 for pedestrians. Education boards along the extension tell the history of the railway line and signage will direct people to nearby local amenities, such as West Dean Gardens, Weald and Downland Living Museum and Singleton village.
The Centurion Way follows the old, dismantled Chichester to Midhurst Railway Line, which was fully closed in 1991.
Further refurbishments will take place over the next two to three years to extend the route to Cocking Hill and linking with the South Downs Way. Once complete the route will provide a continuous route for walkers and cyclists from the heart of Chichester and beyond from Chichester Harbour and the Witterings to the South Downs Way.
Mr Simon Knight DL said: “This marvellous addition of a new section of the Centurion Way has been achieved through remarkable collaboration initiated by the South Downs National Park Authority who have worked closely with landowners – The West Dean Estate, The National Trust and The Cowdray Estate - as well as West Dean and Singleton Parish Councils and the Friends of Centurion Way and Chichester Cycle Forum. All involved are congratulated on this great new addition to the county’s cycle network.”
Vanessa Rowlands, Chair of the National Park Authority, said: “It’s so exciting to unveil this new section of the Centurion Way, giving people better access into the heart of the National Park with some amazing views along the way.
“I love how these renovations pay homage to the incredible history of the site and give people more opportunities to connect with the biodiversity and natural beauty of the area.
“This is a fantastic new section of the Centurion Way, linking up with train and bus connections, creating the opportunity for a sustainable, car-free day out in the National Park.”
Ian Graham, Director of West Dean Estates, said: “This is an inspiring landscape, leading education and a home of creativity and sustainability.
“It’s hard to believe that just five years ago this station was disused but, thanks to a shared vision, teamwork, passion and determination from the whole project team, we’ve demonstrated just what true partnership working can achieve.”
To celebrate the opening of the new route, a small team from the National Park will be based at Singleton Station this weekend (23 and 24 August) from 10am to 2pm. They will be able to answer any questions and share ideas for days-out in the area and onward connections with the rights of way network. Please be aware that there is no car parking at the Singleton Station site and people are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport. The 60 Bus Route runs regular services with stops nearby along the A286.
To coincide with the new section opening, the original arch near to Bishop Luffa school was refurbished and reinstalled to welcome people to the trail at Chichester. The arch had to be taken down a decade ago and was rescued from storage.
With support from the Friends of Centurion Way, Southsea-based blacksmith Peter Clutterbuck took on the restoration challenge, creating a new structure from galvanised steel and guaranteeing a longer lifespan than the original. Original mythical character sculptures, including Roman gods and a dancing deer, have been reinstated within the new archway.
Ian Swann, from Friends of Centurion Way, said: “We are delighted that the restored arch is in place to act as a gateway to Centurion Way heading north and also to start the celebration of the opening of the West Dean to Hat Hill section. The arch will stand for decades to come and we look forward to celebrating the next section to Cocking Hill in the coming years.”
The new extension connects with existing footpaths, for pedestrians only, to Singleton and then northwards through the Drovers Estate. Cyclists are required to turn around at the endpoint of the new extension, near to Cucumber Farm, as there is currently no onward connection and no access to the A286 via the farm. Cyclists should return to the station site to exit the trail or leave via the new connection near to West Dean Tunnel. Further extensions of the Centurion Way will provide onward connections for cyclists.
Check out the National Park’s hub on the Centurion Way for further information and project updates at: