Devil's Dyke Walks and Map
Photo © nick macneill (cc-by-sa/2.0)
Walking at Devil’s Dyke is not for the faint hearted but it’s well worth the effort. If you have lots of energy and you fancy an epic adventure with glorious panoramic views across the South Downs and Sussex countryside, then head over to Devil’s Dyke for a range of strenuous walks that will not leave you disappointed.
Devil's Dyke Walks
These walks range from 1 mile to 6.5 miles.
We have six Devil’s Dyke walking routes on the Sussex Walks app of various lengths. The first walk is a simple short family-friendly circular route around the high ground of the wonderful Devil's Dyke which is the deepest dry valley in the country. There is only a small amount of climbing on this route because it doesn't take you down into the valley, but you're still rewarded with some breathtaking views.
The second route (1.75 miles) is another short and well-trodden walk around Devil's Dyke. This route option does take you down the hills and through the dramatic valley though, so there is a fair amount of steep climbing to tackle on this route.
The third option (2.25 miles) is another shorter route from the Devil's Dyke car park and this time it heads off in the opposite direction to the other walks. This route does have some climbing, but it's not as strenuous as the second route and it still rewards you with some lovely views from the top of Fulking Hill.
The fourth walk (3 miles) is an extension of the second route, so it also enjoys the strenuous loop around the famous Devil's Dyke valley. The extension is then an additional loop that heads further east after the valley and visits the Saddlescombe Farm where you'll find a nice cafe for a refreshment pitstop. You will certainly need the extra energy, as there is a lot of steep climbing on this route.
The fifth option (3.25 miles) heads west from the car park like the third route, and it again enjoys the views from the summit of Fulking Hill (if you do the route clockwise). However, instead of going easy on you on the way back, it then takes you down the very steep hill and embarks on a strenuous adventure of climbing and descending as you visit the pretty village of Fulking, before working your way back through open hillsides and woodland to the start. You really will need your energy on this strenuous walk, so the beautiful pub in Fulking might provide a welcome pit stop half way around the walk.
The final and longest route (6.5 miles) is another walk that heads to the west of the Devil's Dyke car park, climbing to the top of Fulking Hill for some lovely views. If you are following the route in a clockwise direction, it then takes you on an epic roam across the top of the downs until you reach a fantastic viewpoint at the top of Edburton Hill. In fact the views are then fantastic all the way back to the start from then on. This route hasn't got the really steep climbing sections from some of the other routes, but it is a long hilly walk so it's another energetic but rewarding adventure in the beautiful South Downs National Park.
Devil’s Dyke walk map.
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