On Saturday September 14th 2024 some friends and I cycled the whole 47 miles of Mary’s Crescent in one day. It was the National Ride and Stride day whose aim is to raise funds for Historic Church Trusts throughout the country.

We took our time, visiting all the churches I mention in the book and I gave a brief guided tour. We met outside Portchester Castle, leaving our cars at the nearby Methodist Church (with permission due to the charitable nature of the cycle ride). 

We set off at 9am from Portchester Castle gatehouse, arriving at Chichester Cathedral by 16.30, and we returned to Portchester by train bringing our bicycles.

We did this in aid of our local Hampshire and Sussex Historic Churches Trusts which give grants to support the fabric of the ancient churches within the two counties, which includes all the churches mentioned in the book.

We raised £2,287

The ride takes you close to the four day walk but on peaceful country lanes, finally entering Chichester via the Centurion Way cycle path. 

We stopped for coffee at the Sustainability Centre on the South Downs near the old Naval base, HMS Mercury, and once more at the West Dean Stores for a late-light lunch.