Walk 3488 - printer friendly version

Devil's Dyke Circular Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 2.5 miles / 4.1 km

Ascent - 450 feet / 136 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference TQ258111
Lat 50.8857020 + Long -0.2129549
Postcode BN45 7AB (approx. location only)

This short Devil's Dyke walk in West Sussex allows you to explore an outstanding feature of the South Downs National Park. The route follows excellent paths and descends into the steep V-shaped dry valley that has become a well-known beauty spot.

The walk starts from the pay and display carpark adjacent to the Devil's Dyke Pub (grid ref. TQ258111) which can be reached by taking a minor road north from the A27 at Westdene (Brighton). After parking it is worth enjoying the excellent view along the northern escarpment of the South Downs. To start the walk head 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 on this path soon passing a popular viewpoint. The path curves to the left, re-joins the South Downs Way, descends through a car park and joins Saddlescombe Road.

Bear left along the road. On your right is Saddlescombe Farm (National Trust) where it is worth spending some time visiting the large barn with a selection of boards outlining the history of the farm. There is also a large donkey wheel which was used to draw water from a well.

After visiting the farm, return to the road and turn right. After a short distance, turn left through a metal gate by a footpath fingerpost. Once through the gate, follow the clear path which initially bears right and then descend into the valley. Reaching the valley floor, turn left. After 150 metres, turn right over stile and climb the steps up through the wood. Follow the path to a cross path. Climb the six steps opposite, following the path through the woods to a kissing gate.

Go through the gate and climb up the steps. About halfway up there is a superb view through the bushes on the right with the village of Poynings far below. Take your time climbing as there is an excellent view to Fulking village. Continue up this path to a kissing gate above you on your left. Go through the gate and continue back to the car park used at the start of the walk.

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