Edburton Hill & Devil's Dyke from Saddlescombe

South Downs Walk

Walk Route Description

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This energetic walk on the South Downs starts from Saddlescombe and follows the South Downs Way across Fulking Hill and Edburton Hill to Beeding Hill. The route then follows the Monarch's Way for a short section before returning along the escarpment via the dry valley of Devil's Dyke back to the start. The walk offers excellent views throughout along easy to follow paths.

The start is the car park opposite Saddlescombe Farm just east of the Devil's Dyke (grid ref. TQ271114). After parking turn left down the road and turn left through the gate. Do not follow the public footpath instead take the permissive path with a dark pink arrow. Descend some steps, cross a stile, and bear left and then right. Continue along the path across a field and cross a stile into access land. Ignore arrow pointing down to the right and continue up a grassy path with the steep sided dry valley of Devil's Dyke on your right. You soon join a bridleway coming in from the right. Ignore the first left fork and continue ahead to join the South Downs Way to reach a road.

The route now follows the South Downs Way for just over six kilometres. The undulating path is well-signed and offers excellent vies to the sea and north to the Weald. The first objective is Fulking Hill after which a short descent and ascent leas you over Perching Hill. After crossing the flank of Edburton Hill you descend to a col with an excellent view north. The onward path takes you across the southern flank of Truleigh Hill with its radio masts. The path then descends past the Youth Hostel to follow an access road down to Beeding Hill car park (grid ref. TQ208097).

Turn sharp left here onto the Monarch's Way. After two kilometres of easy walking along the bridleway you reach a T-junction (grid ref. TQ227091). Turn left and follow the clear path north to reach the South Downs Way on Truleigh Hill. Turn right and retrace your steps along the South Downs Way. Just after cresting Fulking Hill (grid ref. TQ263108), bear left off the South Downs Way and take the path heading to the pub and viewpoint above the Devil's Dyke.

After taking in the view return past the pub (on your right) and follow the path on the left-hand verge of Devil's Dyke Road. Ignore the first footpath on the left and continue along the road to reach the South Downs Way. Turn left through the wooden gate and continue along the clear path with the Devil's Dyke on your left. Ignore all paths on the left and continue ahead. After one kilometre of easy walking, with excellent views to your left, the path forks (grid ref. TQ268111). At this point the South Downs Way forks left and you should continue straight ahead. Continue along this path soon passing a popular viewpoint. The path curves to the left, re-joins the South Downs Way and descends to the car park used at the start of the walk.

Walk GradingMore South Downs Walks

Other walks nearby

Walk 2337	Wilding Waterhall & Devil's Dyke from Saddlescombe	easy/mod	6.0 miles
Walk 3488	Devil's Dyke Circular from near Saddlecombe	easy	2.5 miles
Walk 3213	Pyecombe, Devil's Dyke & Upper Beeding	easy/mod	8.0 miles
Walk 1983	Edburton Hill from Fulking	easy/mod	6.1 miles
Walk 2236	Wolstonbury Hill and Pyecombe from Patcham	moderate	11.0 miles