Kingley Vale Walk

Route Description for Kingley Vale Walk

The Kingley Vale Walk takes you on a stunning path that showcases views of South Downs National Park, as well as Sussex, Hampshire, and the coast. There are some steep inclines during this walk and there are numerous gates and stiles that you will have to navigate. Make sure to be prepared and wear proper footwear.

Beginning at the car park, walk north and head towards the kissing gate. Follow the track for about 1.0 km until you reach the gate. This is the beginning of Kingley Vale. Do not head into the park, instead, follow the path on the right and walk for 540 m. If you are lucky, you may catch glimpses of a sunflower field along this stretch. You will come across a four-way footpath fingerpost, where you will turn left. Continue uphill for 530 m, where you will come across the Kingley Vale information board and begin seeing some of the sights of the coast that this path is famous for.

Turn left and climb a bank and navigate a stile. As you continue, the path is a bit difficult but eases, and you will veer right and head into a tunnel of stunning ancient yew trees. After the tunnel, you will come across a kissing gate, which you will negotiate and then turn left, where you will see the Devil’s Humps. From here, you can see magnificent views of the coast and the Isle of Wight. Walk past the humps after taking in the views and find a chalky path, turn right and navigate two five-bar gates.

In 760 m, you will come across a T-junction, where you will turn left. Follow the markers and you will catch a glimpse of the Chichester Harbour and find yourself at another T-junction, which you will turn right. Continue to the woods and wander through here on the path until you reach a road. Turn left at the road junction and walk for 330 m. You will come across a two-way fingerpost and turn down the track where the black and white traffic prevention sign is.

Walk for 740 m and when you see the left track that has the wire fence along it, do not follow this but follow the path parallel to it that you have been on. At the next left, follow this path along the wire fence and in 350 m, you will come to a road. A one-way fingerpost will appear, turn left onto the road and walk for 125 m to a T-junction. Turn left to get to the National Nature Reserve car park and the car park where you began will come into view in 40 m.

Trail Highlights

Devil’s Humps

The Devil’s Humps are four Bronze Age barrows that are known as the King’s Graves. These graves are rumoured to be the final resting places of Vikings and are hiding buried treasures. In 1853, one of the Devil’s Humps was excavated (although this was not the first time), and revealed many artifacts, such as burnt bones resting on burnt earth, a whetstone, a horse’s tooth, pottery sherds and stag horns, all of which are housed in the British Museum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Kingley Vale and Woodend Walk kid-friendly?

Yes, the Kingley Vale Walk is kid-friendly, just be mindful of some steep inclines.

Is the Kingley Vale Walk dog-friendly?

Yes, the Kingley Vale Walk is dog-friendly, just be mindful of the stile and gates to be passed.

Is there a cost to enter Kingley Vale?

No, there is no fee to enter and walk the path in Kingley Vale. It is managed by Natural England and they allow guests to roam for free.

What is the closest town to the car park?

The closest town to the car park for the Kingley Vale Walk is West Stoke. It is a small town, which makes finding the car park easy.

How long is the Kingley Vale and Woodend Walk?

The Kingley Vale Walk is 8.0 km long and takes approximately 2.5 - 3.5 hours to walk.

Can I eat the berries on a yew tree?

Although the berries look delicious, the center of them and the actual yew tree itself is poisonous.

Insider Hints for Kingley Vale Walk

• Wear proper walking shoes as some areas of this walk are steep.
• Do not eat the yew berries even though they may look appetizing.
• The Kingley Vale Walk is part of the South Downs National Park and there are many other walks nearby.
• Head to the West Dean Gardens, which is beautiful.
• Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, which is a legendary battle of Britain fighter station.
• Stop at the Cote Brasserie for a delicious French meal.