Nestled within the South Downs National Park in West Sussex, Kingley Vale is a truly special place, both in natural beauty and historical depth. The reserve contains one of Europe’s finest remaining ancient yew-tree forests, with some trees many hundreds (even up to a thousand) years old. Chalk grassland tops the steep dry valley, providing dramatic views across the countryside and out to the coast.
Kingley Vale Walk: The Devil’s Humps Loop
The Devil’s Humps loop is a walk of roughly 3.4 miles (about 5.5 km) that captures the essence of Kingley Vale and its surroundings.
- Start at the car park near West Stoke (postcode PO18 9BE). Follow the path into the nature reserve, passing through the magical ancient yew forest.
- Continue uphill to the ridge-top area where you’ll encounter the Bronze-Age burial mounds known as the Devil’s Humps, dramatic raised earthworks that overlook the valley.
- From there, the trail winds past open chalk grassland, offering splendid views towards the coast and across to the Isle of Wight on clear days.
- The return leg brings you through woodland and beneath massive, gnarled yew trunks before descending back into the valley.
- Finish back at the car-park; allow around 1.5-2 hours depending on pace and stopping for views.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
- The ancient yews are truly something to behold, some are among Britain’s oldest trees.
- The mixture of habitat: deep forest, chalk grassland, ridge-top vistas and historic earthworks gives this walk layers of interest.
- It’s accessible yet feels remote and while there are ascents, the route is very manageable for a sub five mile outing.
Practical Tips
- Wear sturdy footwear – the chalk grassland and dry valley terrain can be slippery when damp.
- Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead around grazing livestock and sensitive habitats.
- Parking is available at the West Stoke car park; arrive earlier on weekends for easier spots.
- A mid-morning or afternoon visit rewards you with better light for the views, and fewer crowds than peak summer hours.
Whether you’re drawn by ancient woodlands, sweeping downland views or the hint of human stories in the landscape, Kingley Vale offers a beautifully compact countryside walk that packs in big character.