Chichester, Coast & The Ancient Yews of Kingley Vale. 30 Miles.
Details
A cracking good ride and one not to be missed. This is a 30 mile circular ride taking in ancient forests and stunning coastal landscapes. We meet at Fishbourne Station at 10.00 to accommodate those arriving by train at 9.40. There is a direct service to Fishbourne from Clapham Junction. If booked early you can get a cheap return ticket for around £12. I bought mine at that price: out on the 8.12 from Clapham and back on the 17.05 from Fishbourne, do book early as the price trebles nearer the day. Fishbourne also has easy parking for cars which makes it a great place to start our ride.
We first head north to visit the ancient Yews of Kingley Vale nature reserve. The Yew trees are said to be the oldest living things in Britain and some estimate them to be 2,000 years old. In the year 874 there was a major Viking raid on Chichester but the citizens chased them 4 miles north and a battle took place in Kingley Vale that saw hundreds of Vikings killed and their bodies buried in mass graves. Folklore says that the blood of the Vikings rises in the red sap of the Yew trees and the forest is said to be haunted by their spirits.
We then head south to the pretty village of Bosham with its big sailing heritage and views over the Solent. We can stop here for a coffee before cycling to the Bosham-Ichenor ferry (£3.00 plus 50p for bikes). Once across the water we take the coastal route, the ancient Lipchis Way, to West Wittering and its famous beach. We'll stop for lunch at the Beach Club in Bracklesham with its seafront location and great seafood and fish & chips. The Tripadvisor review of this restaurant is below:
After lunch we head back towards Chichester cycling up the Chichester Ship Canal, made famous by Turner's 1828 painting of it with Chichester's famous cathedral in the background. We cycle a couple of miles to Chichester Cathedral renowned for seamlessly blending its sacred spaces with modern art, including striking works by Marc Chagall (stained glass window), John Piper (tapestry), and Graham Sutherland (painting).
After the cathedral stop we make our final trek back to Fishbourne Station to collect our cars or to take the train home.
This is a truly spectacular ride with some great sights to visit and spectacular sea views. As we have a limit of 8 places book soon so not to be disappointed.
THE FEE FOR THIS RIDE IS £3.50
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT CYCLING CAN BE DANGEROUS SO YOU CYCLE AT YOUR OWN RISK.